THE 55th minute sending off Carlow 's star midfielder Brendan Murphy killed off any chance Anthony Rainbow's side had of victory in this clash with Mick O'Dwyer's Clare at bitterly cold Dr Cullen Park.

Things looked bright enough for Carlow when they trailed only 0-6 to 0-4 after 23 minutes playing into the strong wind.

But a minute later suicidal defending saw them concede the game’s only goal with Clare’s Rory Donnelly availing of the chance to fire home.

At half-time Clare led 1-7 to 0-6 having played with the wind. All hopes of a home win were extinguished in the 55th minute when home midfielder Murphy received a second yellow card – he had been issued with the first yellow less than two minutes earlier.

After that Clare were in full control with Tubridy kicking three late points, two from play.