Match Highlights: Clare 1-19 Limerick 1-21
Limerick have secured their place in the All-Ireland hurling final for the first time since 2023, narrowly defeating Clare 1-21 to 1-19 in a thrilling encounter at Croke Park.
John Kiely's team, who saw their five-in-a-row ambitions end at this stage two years ago and suffered a quarter-final exit last year, demonstrated resilience to overcome Clare. Despite Tony Kelly's 55th-minute penalty goal that put Clare six points ahead, Limerick responded strongly.
There was some controversy surrounding Limerick goalkeeper Nickie Quaid's last-man foul on Peter Duggan, which resulted in a yellow card. Clare supporters felt a black card might have been more appropriate, but Clare failed to score after that incident.
Under pressure, Limerick maintained composure, with Aidan O'Connor's decisive 70th-minute goal proving pivotal in this captivating contest.
Having already secured league and Munster titles in 2026, Limerick remain on course for a treble as they reversed the outcome of their last meeting with Clare at this stage in 2013, when Clare advanced en route to their championship victory.
That year, Shane O'Donnell made a significant impact with a hat-trick in the final replay. However, this year marked the end of O'Donnell's tenure with Clare, as he announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
Limerick will now face Galway in a repeat of the 2018 final, a match that previously initiated a period of dominance for the Munster side.
Lohan Accepts Referee's Decision on Quaid Incident
Clare Gain Early Advantage
The match began with high intensity, both teams engaging fiercely from the outset.
Limerick's Aidan O'Connor opened the scoring with a point from a free, while Clare's Tony Kelly, positioned near goal despite being named at midfield, contributed four points in the first half.
Kelly, Clare's captain, was prominent throughout, matched by the determination of his teammates who challenged Limerick vigorously, forcing them to work hard for every score.
Limerick, as reigning Munster champions, showed equal resolve. Peter Casey, playing in a withdrawn role, and late replacement John Conlon for Clare, both found their range early, with Limerick edging ahead by two points.
Clare responded strongly, with Peter Duggan scoring from his own half to give Clare the lead for the first time. Aaron Gillane equalized, but Clare continued to press, with Kelly celebrating his third point.
Clare scored three consecutive points, nearly losing momentum when Adam English, replacing Cian Lynch, appeared poised to score after evading several defenders. However, Darragh Lohan intercepted crucially, allowing Clare to regain possession and Shane O'Donnell to add a point.
The atmosphere intensified as Clare's work-rate, particularly on restarts, was vital. Limerick's defensive pressure forced Clare goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan to clear long, but Clare's sharpness and ball control, highlighted by Mark Rodgers' first point from play following several frees, kept them competitive.
Clare extended their lead to seven points in added time of the first half, but Adam English and Cathal O'Neill reduced the deficit, leaving Clare ahead 0-16 to 0-11 at halftime. Limerick signaled their intent to respond strongly in the second half.
Limerick Rally with Late O'Connor Goal
Limerick intensified their efforts early in the second half, narrowing the gap to a single point with Diarmaid Byrnes scoring twice from deep positions. Clare missed several scoring opportunities during this period.
Gearoid Hegarty increasingly influenced the game, drawing fouls from Clare through his aerial prowess. Clare managed to stabilize, scoring back-to-back points to maintain a three-point lead with 20 minutes remaining.
Five minutes later, a critical moment occurred. A high ball into the Limerick defense saw full-back Dan Morrissey beaten, allowing Duggan to advance before being fouled by goalkeeper Quaid, resulting in a penalty. Clare sought a harsher sanction than a yellow card, but Kelly converted the penalty.
The introduction of Cian Lynch revitalized Limerick, who responded with four points from frees, setting up a tense finale. In the 70th minute, momentum swung decisively when Lynch assisted Adam English, who delivered a diagonal pass to O'Connor. O'Connor outpaced Lohan to score a crucial goal past Quilligan.
O'Connor added a free in injury time, bringing his total to 1-9 for the match. Clare pressed for a late goal, with Duggan's shot narrowly missing after a scramble, but Limerick's defense held firm.
The result left Clare disappointed, marking a possible end of an era for key players including O'Donnell. Limerick advance to the final, aiming to complete a clean sweep of titles.
Teams and Scorers
Limerick: Nickie Quaid; Seán Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash (0-1); Diarmaid Byrnes (0-3, 2f), William O'Donoghue, Kyle Hayes (0-1); Adam English (0-1), Darragh O'Donovan; Gearóid Hegarty, Aidan O'Connor (1-9, 0-9f), Cathal O'Neill (0-2); Aaron Gillane (0-1), Shane O'Brien (0-1), Peter Casey (0-2).
Subs: David Reidy for D O'Donovan (48), Tom Morrissey for A Gillane (52), Cian Lynch for C O'Neill (57), Mike Casey for D Morrissey (62), Fintan Fitzgerald for P Casey (70+4).
Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Conor Cleary, Darragh Lohan; Diarmuid Ryan, David McInerney, Niall O'Farrell; Tony Kelly (1-5, 0-5f), Ryan Taylor (0-2); Cathal Malone (0-1), Mark Rodgers (0-7, 6f), Seán Rynne; John Conlon, Peter Duggan (0-3), Shane O'Donnell (0-1).
Subs: Cian Galvin for C Cleary (46), Diarmuid Stritch for J Conlon (48), Ian Galvin for M Rodgers (62), David Fitzgerald for S Rynne (63), David Reidy for D Stritch (69).
Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford)
