Clare are the All-Ireland Hurling Champions of 2013 after another incredible 70 minutes of action at Croke Park.
Toast of the county tonight is Shane O’Donnell, the Eire Og man who was drafted in as a late replacement for Clonlara’s Darach Honan. 19 minutes into the game, the 19-year-old had scored three goals as Clare raced into an early lead.
Cork would not make this an easy afternoon for Fitzgerald’s men however, even though Clare led by eight points at one stage. Anthony Nash scored a goal from free, even though there were 12 Claremen on the line, and a late burst of points meant they kept the half-time deficit to four points, 3-09 to 1-11.
While Tony Kelly pointed early on in the second half, Cork were the better team in the game’s third quarter.
With 18 minutes to go, the sides were level 3-10 to 1-16. Cork never edged their noses in front though, as a burst of points from Clare put them in front until Seamus Harnedy scored a goal – level once more with ten to go.
Conor McGrath’s late goal was crucial however, as Clare took a decisive lead of six points.
The dogged Cork side fought back – Stephen Moylan scored as the first of two additional minutes began to halve that margin – and the Rebels had a chance to earn extra time when a long free was dropped in around the box.
Seadna Morey broke free with the ball however, and passed to Darach Honan who scored from close range after a long run.
The final score, of this incredible game, was 5-16 to 3-16 in favour of Clare, the All-Ireland Hurling Champions. Captain Patrick Donnellan lifted Liam McCarthy to end a 16-year wait for the delighted Clare fans.
