Gaelic Games

Clare make no mistake against Waterford second time around

Skipper Gary Brennan stars as Banner set up Munster semi-final clash with Kerry

Clare captain Gary Brennan fires home his side’s first goal in the Munster SFC quarter-final replay against Waterford at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Clare captain Gary Brennan fires home his side’s first goal in the Munster SFC quarter-final replay against Waterford at Fraher Field in Dungarvan. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
Sat Jun 14 2014 - 22:46

Clare 3-11 Waterford 0-12: A rejuvenated Clare side proved too strong for Waterford in this Munster Senior football quarter-final replay at Fraher Field.

Gary Brennan was the star of the show for the Banner, his goal mid-way through the first half set Clare on their way, in front of a crowd of 1,357.

Waterford started the brighter, and had four points on the board by the 11th minute, thanks to three scores from Paul Whyte and a dazzling long-range effort from JJ Hutchinson.

Clare bounced back with scores from Seán Collins and Shane Brennan, but Hutchinson hit two more to keep the home side ahead before Clare captain Gary Brennan was set free from midfield to goal in the 24th minute.

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This levelled proceedings, and Brennan's midfield partner Shane McGrath hit two points before the lively Collins had the final say of the half.

Clare had 1-3 registered in the second half before Declan Allen steadied the shop for Waterford in the 52nd minute.

Shane Brennan scored Clare's second goal of the night five minutes later, tagged on with points from his brother Gary and substitute Jamie Malone.

From here it was a procession, Rory Donnelly shot past Stephen Enright in the Waterford goal in the 61st minute to make it 3-11 to 0-9.

Liam Ó Lonáin and Hutchinson hit three late scores before the final whistle to give the Waterford scoreline a somewhat healthier look.

For Clare a home tie with Kerry awaits in the Munster semi-final, while Waterford face Carlow at home in the qualifiers.

CLARE: Joe Hayes; Dean Ryan, Kevin Hartnett, Martin McMahon; Shane Hickey, Gordon Kelly, Ciarán Russell (0-1); Gary Brennan (1-2), Shane McGrath (0-3); Seán Collins (0-3), Enda Coughlan, Barry Hartnett; Martin O'Leary, Shane Brennan (1-0), David Tubridy (0-1). Subs: Jamie Malone (0-1) for Hartnett (25 mins), Rory Donnelly (1-0) for Coughlan (55 mins), E Cleary (59 mins), L Healy for McMahon (62 mins), P McMahon for Collins (65 mins), S McNelis for Hickey (65 mins).

WATERFORD: Stephen Enright; Dean Crowley, Thomas O'Gorman, Maurice O'Gorman; Conor Phelan, Shane Briggs, Oran Keevers; Shane Aherne, Tommy Prendergast; Michael O'Gorman, Liam Ó Lonáin (0-2), Tadhg Ó hUallacháin; Brian Wall, Paul Whyte (0-5), JJ Hutchinson (0-4). Subs: W Hutchinson for Aherne (3 mins, bc), Declan Allen (0-1) for Prendergast (32 mins, bc), M Curry for Hutchinson (35 mins), C O'Keeffe for Phelan (45 mins), D Grey for Hutchinson (69 mins).

Referee: M Deegan (Laois)