Round-up: Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League
Oran Cahill of Clare is tackled by Diarmuid Stritch, left, and Limerick goalkeeper Colin Ryan during the Co-Op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League match between Clare and Limerick at Páirc an Dálaigh in Tulla, Clare. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile.
Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League, Round 1
Clare 3-20 Limerick 3-18
Tipperary 1-18 Waterford 1-18
Mark Rodgers fired a late goal from a penalty to swing the local bragging rights Clare's way.
In front of a capacity crowd at the Tulla club grounds, a terrific back-and-forth between the Munster neighbours was eventually settled by Rodgers who registered 1-11 in total.
Shane Meehan grabbed the other major for Brian Lohan's side in what was a meeting of the 2023 and 2024 All-Ireland winners. Jack Kirwan contributed Clare's other goal, and 1-2 in total, though he was taken off after a nasty head injury during the third quarter of the game.
Clare edged the first-half 1-12 to 1-10, Meehan netting for them after 13 minutes and Donnacha O Dalaigh supplying the goal for Limerick.
O Dalaigh pounced again after the restart in what was a rip-roaring encounter on the first weekend of the year.
O Dalaigh finished with 2-2 for the Shannonsiders while Poc Fada champion Colin Ryan was an interesting addition in goals for Limerick and he lasted the duration.
Adam English and free-taker Aidan O'Connor impressed also for Limerick and Fintan Fitzgerald grabbed their third goal but Clare, for whom sub Peter Duggan chopped over a sumptuous point from a sideline, weren't to be denied.
Both sides will play Cork in their remaining group game. Limerick will meet the Munster champions, in Limerick, on January 7 with Clare facing Ben O'Connor's side on January 12 in Mallow.
Meanwhile, resurgent Waterford came from eight points down to grab a dramatic draw with All-Ireland title holders Tipperary.
Liam Cahill's Tipp led by 1-11 to 0-7 at half-time, stretched the gap to eight early in the second-half and were still seven clear in the closing minutes before being reeled in.
Paddy Creedon scored Tipp's goal midway through the first-half in a game moved to Fethard Town Park having been initially pencilled in for Clonmel.
Reuben Halloran pushed his case for regular inclusion with Waterford this year with eight important points, six from frees.
Charlie Treen's goal in the closing quarter was the score that ignited their comeback, a textbook long-ball and lay-off move ending with Treen firing to the net.
There was another late point for Treen, who finished with 1-3, but Jack Leamy's score for Tipp proved the leveller in an entertaining stalemate.
Waterford will play Kerry next on January 7 while Tipp will travel to the Kingdom and Austin Stack Park on January 11 for their second Group A game.
