REIGNING ALL-IRELAND champions Clare got their 2014 season off to a successful start today with a six-point win over Limerick at Sixmilebridge.
Newcomer David Reidy grabbed the only goal of the game for the Banner in the opening minute of the game to get them off to a perfect start.
Another youngster also caught the eye in the scoring stakes with Clarecastle’s Bobby Duggan striking 0-12 overall for Davy Fitzgerald’s side as they triumphed by 1-14 to 0-11. Clare lead 1-9 to 0-6 at the break and had six points to spare at the finish.
Clare will now face the students of UCC next week after the reigning Fitzgibbon Cup champions defeated Mary Immaculate College by 3-28 to 2-14 at the Mardyke.
UCC lead by 3-18 to 0-7 at half-time after building up a commanding advantage on the scoreboard. Limerick duo Willie Griffin and Jack Ahern both raised green flags as did Cork senior Conor Lehane.
Premier Win
Elsewhere goals by Michael Cahill and Eoin Kelly helped Tipperary defeat Kerry by 2-16 to 0-8 at Austin Stack Park in Tralee. Tipperary were 0-9 to 0-3 in front at half-time before Thurles Sarsfields club man Cahill struck to the net in the 50th minute. The second goal arrived in the dying moments of the game from Mullinahone club man Kelly.
Tipperary will now take on UL in next week’s semi-final after the Limerick-based outfit overturned Waterford IT in a high-scoring encounter at Carriganore by 13 points. UL were in front by 1-13 to 0-12 at half-time with Tipperary’s Tommy Heffernan grabbing their goal. Clare hurler Podge Collins bagged their second goal while John Ryan raised a green flag for WIT.
Results
Waterford Crystal Cup quarter-finals
Tipperary 2-16 Kerry 0-8
UL 2-30 Waterford IT 1-20
Clare 1-14 Limerick 0-11
UCC 3-28 Mary Immaculate 2-14
