The EirGrid Munster U20 Football Championship final will be contested by Cork and Kerry after both sides were successful in semi-final ties on Wednesday night.

Reigning provincial and All-Ireland champions Cork were faced with a stern test by Clare in Miltown-Malbay, but ultimately came out on the right side of a 1-12 to 2-7 scoreline.

Blake Murphy, one of last year’s stars, contributed eight points for Keith Ricken’s side, who led by 1-2 to 0-1 early on thanks to a goal from Jack Murphy.

However, Clare responded well and goals from Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney meant the Banner led by half-time, 2-2 to 1-4 the scoreline. However, Cork had seven unanswered points in the third quarter to take control, with Mark Cronin assisting Blake Murphy on the scoring front. Late on, Clare hauled themselves back into contention with McInerney sending over three points, but they couldn’t come closer than within two.

In Rathkeale, Kerry had seven points to spare over their hosts Limerick, the final score 0-14 to 0-7 in the Kingdom’s favour.

Inspired by Paul Walsh, Kerry led by 0-6 to 0-3 at half-time after a pair of late points and by the tenth minute of the second half they were 0-10 to 0-4 to the good. They saw the game out from there, with Killian Falvey and Paul O’Shea impressive too, while Limerick’s seven points were registered by seven different scorers, among them Eoin O’Mahony, Brian Foley and Rory O’Brien.

Kerry will now host Cork in Austin Stack Park in Tralee in next Wednesday’s final.