McGRATH CUP:McGRATH CUP holders Clare lost out by a point to Cork at Cooraclare yesterday. The home side that played better overall but the concession of two soft first-half goals told in the end. Cork led by 2-2 to 0-4 at the break but had to rely on a Fintan Gould 45, late in the game, to secure victory.

With the sides level at 0-2 after 19 minutes, Clare's Frank O'Dea was penalised for handling the ball on the ground in front of his goal. Cork's Kevin O'Sullivan goaled from the penalty spot, giving the visitors a lead that they never relinquished. Clare's Michael O'Shea replied with two pointed frees, before Cork landed their second goal through Conor McManus just before the break. Scores from Stephen Monaghan, Keith Whelan, Gary Brennan and Peter O'Dwyer had Clare level by the 47th minute but Cork forced a 45 and Gould landed the point to take the honours.

CORK: K Murphy; B Crowley, N O'Donovan, K Harrington; D Murphy, O Sexton, R O'Sullivan; A O'Sullivan, A O'Connor; C McCarthy (0-1), F Gould (0-2, one 45), R Brosnan; S Hayes, C McManus (1-0), K O'Sullivan (1-0). Subs: C Keane for Hayes (50 mins), D Relihan for A OSullivan (yellow card 59 mins).

CLARE: J Hayes; M McMahon, C Whelan, T Madigan; K Whelan (0-1), G Kelly, L Markham; P O'Dwyer (0-2, one free), F O'Dea; G Brennan (0-1), P Reidy, C O'Connor; S Monaghan (0-1), T Ryan, M O'Shea (0-3, two frees). Subs: E Lyons for OConnor (53 mins), E Doyle for K Whelan (58 mins), M McCarthy for Monaghan (59 mins), D Cusack for Reidy (59 mins), D Gallery for McMahon.

Referee: M Meade (Limerick).

UCC set up a derby date with Cork in the McGrath Cup semi- final next Sunday after the students survived a late Tipperary revival yesterday.

UCC led by 2-7 to 0-5 with 13 minutes remaining in Tipperary Town, but two late penalties converted by Barry Grogan set up a nervous finish for the visitors, who eventually prevailed 2-7 to 2-6. Also yesterday, Waterford footballers had a 1-15 to 0-5 win over Limerick IT at Lemybrien.