Allianz HL D1B Final: Clare defeat determined Dublin

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final

Clare 2-26 Dublin 3-20

By Cian O'Connell at TUS Gaelic Grounds

Ultimately, Clare adequately dealt with a defiant Dublin comeback mission to claim the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B title.

Leading by 2-15 to 2-5 at the interval, Clare had assumed a commanding position, but then Dublin thundered into the reckoning.

With Cian O'Sullivan sharp in attack Dublin narrowed the deficit to two in the closing stages, but Clare's blend of emerging and established players survived.

The opening period was all about the slick movement and efficiency of Clare's inside line. Shane O'Donnell scored 1-1, was fouled for a number of frees, and created opportunities for similarly classy colleagues Shane Meehan and Mark Rodgers.

Before the interval Meehan struck 1-3, while Scariff's Rodgers nailed nine points, including three from play. It meant that of Clare's 2-15 first total, 2-13 was contributed by a vibrant full forward line.

At the opposite end of the field, though, Dublin had posed some questions initially. John Hetherton netted a seventh minute penalty following a foul on Cian O'Sullivan.

Clare's response, though, was instant as O'Donnell dashed clear to clip an eighth minute major. When Meehan added a second on 16, Clare's advantage was 2-6 to 1-2.

Peter Duggan added a point for the Banner, but Dublin replied with a goal courtesy of O'Sullivan in the 22nd minute.

Eight of the next 11 points were scored by Clare with Meehan, O'Donnell, and Rodgers carrying a potent attacking threat illustrated by the 2-15 to 2-5 half-time advantage.

O'Donnell was withdrawn at the break due a knock, while Rodgers also subsequently departed the fray in the third quarter.

After the restart, Dublin reeled off six points on the spin from the impressive Conor Donohoe, Darragh Power, O'Sullivan (3), and Brian Hayes.

Rodgers rifled over three frees before Fergal Whitely supplied a point for Dublin. Peter Duggan and Ryan Taylor pushed Clare's lead out to nine, but Dublin ploughed on with admirable determination.

O'Sullivan continued to contribute scores and when Whitely planted a 63rd minute goal, Dublin only trailed 2-22 to 3-17.

Late on Dublin went close to pinching another goal, but Eibhear Quilligan made a splendid save from O'Sullivan to divert the sliotar over for a point.

When Clare required inspiration Diarmuid Ryan ventured forward to supply critical and classy points.

In a fortnight Clare host Waterford in Munster, while the previous evening Dublin travel to Tullamore for an awkward clash against Offaly. Further tests are set to arrive thick and fast.

Scorers for Clare: Mark Rodgers 0-12 (9fs), Shane Meehan 1-3, Shane O'Donnell 1-1, Peter Duggan 0-4 (3fs), Diarmuid Ryan 0-3, Ryan Taylor 0-2, Ian Galvin 0-1.

Scorers for Dublin: Cian O'Sullivan 1-10 (6fs), Fergal Whitely 1-1, Conor Donohoe 0-4, John Hetherton 1-0, Darragh Power 0-2, Brian Hayes, Dara Purcell, and Diarmaid Ó Dulaing (f) 0-1 each.

Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Rory Hayes, Conor Cleary, Conor Leen; Diarmuid Ryan, Niall O'Farrell, Cathal Malone; Darragh Lohan, Ryan Taylor; Peter Duggan, David Reidy, David Fitzgerald; Shane Meehan, Shane O'Donnell, Mark Rodgers.

Subs: Ian Galvin for O'Donnell (HT), Jack O'Neill for Fitzgerald (HT), Diarmuid Stritch for Rodgers (49), John Conlon for D Lohan (56), Daithí Lohan for Leen (67).

Dublin: Seán Brennan; Conor Groarke, Paddy Smyth, Eoghan O'Donnell; Paddy Doyle, Chris Crummey, Conor McHugh; Conor Burke, Conor Donohoe; Fergal Whitely, Brian Hayes, Darragh Power; Diarmaid Ó Dulaing, John Hetherton, Cian O'Sullivan.

Subs: Ronan Hayes for Ó Dulaing (HT), Andy Dunphy for Smyth (HT), John Bellew for Groarke (HT), Dara Purcell for Power (56).

Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).