All Ireland Hurling championship: Clare 1-22 Tipperary 3-18

The goal was sublime, a stunning catch in the air from a Pat Donnellan pass and then a precise finish into the corner of the net.

He followed it up with a point as well to give Clare a lifeline as they went in at half-time.

Clare started the second half quite well and got within four points with the excellent Ryan striking over a free.

However, Tipperary then embarked on a run which ultimately proved the winning of the match. The brilliant McGrath, Woodlock and Corbett all pointed before O'Brien lashed in Tipp's third goal of the day.

Corner-back Paddy Stapleton, making only his second Championship appearance, did brilliantly to set up Corbett who crossed across the square for O'Brien.

He took the ball easily in his stride before flicking home. It was hard to see a way back for Clare from there.

Eoin Kelly pointed a free seconds later but Clare continued to fight and a quick flurry of points, two coming from Ryan and another from the outstanding McMahon, reduced the gap to two goals again.

Clare's battling was admirable, because at stages Tipperary had threatened to power well clear. Ryan continued to chip away at the Premier's lead and with little over five minutes remaining, there was only three points in it after Ryan's ninth point of the day flew over straight after a battling score from substitute John Conlon.

Clare's tide was rising and Tipperary were beginning to flounder, surrendering possession easily and missing chances when they came.

Colin Ryan hit another blockbuster over to leave two in it and the Tipperary tension was materialising all over the pitch.

Mike McNamara's side were also beginning to pump ball into their full-forward line from distance and goal chances were being created.

With a goal in it at the end, Ryan fired the sliotar at goal in the hope of salvaging a draw but Cummins' heroics, as ever, left Tipp in the clear.

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Nster.com