Clare have pulled off a famous victory, defeating All-Ireland champions Limerick on a scoreline of 1-24 to 2-20 in a pulsating Munster round robin clash at the Gaelic grounds.
It was a game that the vast majority of onlookers were expecting John Kiely's side to win, with many tipping Limerick to to run through the championship with relative ease this season.
However, it was quickly apparent that they wouldn't get anything easy against Clare this evening.
Brian Lohan's side displayed huge intensity right from the first whistle, producing some brilliant scores early on.
Tony Kelly strikes from distance to increase Clare's lead to three inside the opening five minutes.
Watch the game live now on https://t.co/C7FxP1q5Ku pic.twitter.com/KX24IFYsFT— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 29, 2023
Limerick grew into the game as the half went on, with Seamus Flanagan scoring their first goal just before the half hour mark.
Some felt that the forward should have been pulled up for a square ball, although the goal was allowed to stand.
Limerick take the lead through Seamus Flanagan who taps the ball into the back of the net.
Watch the game live now on https://t.co/C7FxP1q5Ku pic.twitter.com/Ux7ai3jAha— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 29, 2023
The two sides traded scores throughout the second half, although Clare would take the initiative late on.
They tagged on a number of scores to open up a four point lead in injury time on the back of points such as this one from Shane O'Donnell.
Shane O'Donnell scores a vital point to put Clare in front once again.
Watch the game live now on https://t.co/C7FxP1q5Ku pic.twitter.com/wuGPT9TCPJ— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 29, 2023
While Limerick would get a late goal via Seamus Flanagan, Clare would manage to hold on for the one-point victory.
John Conlon skipped brother's wedding to play in Clare-Limerick
There were some top performance on both sides this evening, but none were better than that of John Conlon. The Clonlara man was absolutely imperious at the back, rightly earning man-of-the-match honours for his efforts.
It was a huge day for Conlon. Not only did he lead Clare to a win over their biggest rivals, but his brother also got married earlier this afternoon.
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Despite being best man at the wedding, he would leave after the ceremony to hurl for his county in the pivotal championship clash.
Speaking to GAAGO after the game, he told the nation how he had to skip the festivities at 4pm to make his way to Limerick. He also summed up what this victory meant to Clare.
It's just like any local derby or club derby. I only live out the road, I'm closer to the Gaelic Grounds than I am to Ennis.
It's just that rivalry. We grow up together, go to college, there's work between each other, we're always in Limerick or Clare. It was a fantastic game, another one of those humdingers compared to last year. We're just delighted to get out on the right side...
We had a meeting last night and we laid it out. We know we can give it to [Limerick], we know we're as good as them. They're a super team and super outfit, you can't take your eye off the ball against them.
We were just delighted to get the win. That's what Brian (Lohan) does, he gives us everything to succeed. We have super management, a super bunch of players, and we're just delighted.
Before we finish, I'd like to give a shoutout to everyone at my brother's wedding. I had to skip on there at about four o'clock from the duties of best man, but I'm sure they're all roaring at the moment.
I'm sure we will have some party tonight!
That's some commitment.
We're sure he will be making up for lost time once he makes his way back to the reception!
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