Hello and welcome along to the start of our coverage for the 2026 Munster SHC round-robin.
First up is Clare v Waterford in Ennis, and we have the repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final to follow later this afternoon when Tipperary host Cork in Thurles. We’ll be bringing you through all the live coverage of both games.
And so, we start in Cusack Park as the 2024 All-Ireland champions look to avenge last year’s disappointment of not qualifying out of Munster against a Waterford side who will launch their latest bid to finally progress out of the province.
We’ll have team news for you shortly as we edge closer to the 2pm throw-in. And as always, we want to hear from you. So, do get in touch if you have any thoughts on today’s matches.
2 hrs ago
1:03PM
Here is how Clare have been named to line out
1. Éibhear Quilligan (Feakle)
2. Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones na Sionna), 3. Conor Cleary (Kilmaley), 4. Adam Hogan (Feakle)
Clare take the first shot at the posts but it’s a wide. Jack Fagan then has Waterford’s first attempt at a score and he also misses.
1 hr ago
2:01PM
1 min: Clare 0-0 Waterford 0-0
Tony Kelly the latest to have a go. But again, it’s wide
1 hr ago
2:02PM
2 mins: Clare 0-0 Waterford 0-1
Waterford are off the mark as Stephen Bennett converts a free which he won.
1 hr ago
2:04PM
4 mins: Clare 0-1 Waterford 0-1
A long, dropping ball falls to Peter Duggan at the edge of the square. He tries to wriggle around but the ball spills away and the referee calls for a free.
Mark Rodgers taps it over to get the equaliser.
Jamie Barron then has a long-range attempt that is off target.
1 hr ago
2:05PM
5 mins: Clare 0-2 Waterford 0-1
Shane Bennett carries the ball forward for Waterford. It comes to Jamie Barron but he can’t control it. Tony Kelly then sends down a deliver to Duggan which falls to Shane O’Donnell.
He darts in around and fires it over. Clare lead.
1 hr ago
2:07PM
6 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-2
Stephen Bennett stands over another free which he puts between the posts to bring the sides back level.
But Kelly then fetches the Clare puckout before drilling the ball over from distance.
1 hr ago
2:08PM
7 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-3
Jamie Barron brings the sides back level again with his first of the day. A long ball is then directed to Waterford’s Seán Walsh but he gets surrounded and Clare break free.
1 hr ago
2:09PM
9 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-3
Barron tries to give Waterford the lead but it’s a third wide for Waterford. Meanwhile, David Reidy is receiving some treatment but it looks like he should be ok to continue.
1 hr ago
2:10PM
10 mins: Clare 0-4 Waterford 0-3
Brilliant team score from Clare as Rodgers makes the fetch and feeds to Sean Rynne for the score.
It came from a rebound from his own shot from outside the large rectangle. And he was alert to pounce and finish past Éibhear Quilligan.
Kelly replies with a point.
1 hr ago
2:14PM
14 mins: Clare 0-6 Waterford 1-3
O’Donnell comes out with the ball from a ruck and the referee then awards a free in to Clare as O’Donnell gets wrapped up.
Rodgers ties up the game again.
1 hr ago
2:16PM
15 mins: Clare 0-7 Waterford 1-3
The ball comes in to O’Donnell but he can’t get it into his hands. Diarmuid Ryan then releases a monstrous hit from inside his own half and Clare are in front.
Great start for Clare as Duggan’s deflected shot bounces into the net after a brilliant run from Rodgers to set up the chance.
Waterford create a goal chance of their own at the other end but Hogan does brilliantly to flick the ball away from Seán Walsh when he was winding up for the shot.
Rodgers scores another free and now they lead by six.
Waterford change: Shane Bennett replaced by Peter Hogan.
57 mins ago
3:01PM
Peter Duggan gives Clare a huge lift with an early goal in the second half
Hutchinson with another vital point to cut the deficit once more.
51 mins ago
3:06PM
46 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-10
O’Donnell once again with an immediate response. Clare then cut out a Waterford attack as Kelly takes a shot from around midfield but he’s off target and he looks he needs treatment after as he holds his head.
Waterford change: Here comes Austin Gleeson! He’s on for Kiely.
50 mins ago
3:08PM
48 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-10
Waterford awarded a free in for charging by Rory Hayes after intercepting a ball in. He then gets a yellow card.
49 mins ago
3:08PM
48 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-11
Bennett brings it back to three points again.
48 mins ago
3:10PM
50 mins: Clare 1-21 Waterford 3-12
Diarmuid Ryan with another point from down town. Gleeson then announces himself to the stage with a point from out near the sideline.
He gives a fist pump after the score to mark his return.
47 mins ago
3:10PM
50 mins: Clare 1-22 Waterford 3-12
Rynne with another to restore that four-point gap as Kelly hits another wide.
47 mins ago
3:11PM
51 mins: Clare 1-23 Waterford 3-12
Darragh Lohan scores after rushing in to intercept a puckout that was intended for Peter Hogan.
45 mins ago
3:13PM
52 mins: Clare 1-25 Waterford 3-12
Rodgers continues his brilliant display of free-taking and he has nine points. Clare win the puckout and O’Donnell throws over another point.
Clare are starting to run away it now.
43 mins ago
3:14PM
54 mins: Clare 1-26 Waterford 3-12
Diarmuid Stritch, who just came on, is the latest to get on the board for Clare. Waterford need to find something quickly to get back into the contest.
42 mins ago
3:16PM
55 mins: Clare 1-27 Waterford 3-13
That’s another free for Rodgers before Barron gets a much-needed point for Waterford.
41 mins ago
3:17PM
56 mins: Clare 1-27 Waterford 3-14
Gleeson gets his second from out beside the sideline. Seven between the teams now.
39 mins ago
3:19PM
59 mins: Clare 1-28 Waterford 3-16
Another massive catch from Duggan as a scramble ensues in front of the Waterford goal. The ball comes back to Rynne who put plenty of power behind the shot but keep it down as it sails over the bar.
Bennett slings the ball over from a free and there’s six between them coming into the final 10 minutes.
37 mins ago
3:20PM
60 mins: Clare 1-29 Waterford 3-17
Stritch finds his range again as Waterford respond through Peter Hogan.
36 mins ago
3:22PM
62 mins: Clare 1-30 Waterford 3-17
Bennett tries to cut the gap to five but his long-range effort is kept in by Quilligan just above the bar.
Rodgers with another free to bring his tally up to 11.
Clare change: Shane Meehan comes in for O’Donnell.
Shane Meehan puts the seal on it with a goal right at the death to give Clare a six-point win. But Waterford fought back bravely, with Stephen Bennett picking up the man-of-the-match award after bagging 3-12.
Seán Walsh got the other goal for Waterford today while Peter Duggan also found the net for Clare.
Just when you think this game is over, Waterford find the net again.
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As it happened: Clare open their Munster SHC campaign with a dramatic win over Waterford
Hello and welcome along to the start of our coverage for the 2026 Munster SHC round-robin.
First up is Clare v Waterford in Ennis, and we have the repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final to follow later this afternoon when Tipperary host Cork in Thurles. We’ll be bringing you through all the live coverage of both games.
And so, we start in Cusack Park as the 2024 All-Ireland champions look to avenge last year’s disappointment of not qualifying out of Munster against a Waterford side who will launch their latest bid to finally progress out of the province.
We’ll have team news for you shortly as we edge closer to the 2pm throw-in. And as always, we want to hear from you. So, do get in touch if you have any thoughts on today’s matches.
Here is how Clare have been named to line out
1. Éibhear Quilligan (Feakle)
2. Rory Hayes (Wolfe Tones na Sionna), 3. Conor Cleary (Kilmaley), 4. Adam Hogan (Feakle)
5. Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe), 6. Niall O’Farrell (Broadford), 7. Cathal Malone (Sixmilebridge)
8. Darragh Lohan (Wolfe Tones na Sionna), 9. Tony Kelly (C) (Ballyea)
10. Peter Duggan (Clooney-Quin), 11. Ryan Taylor (Clooney-Quin), 12. Sean Rynne (Inagh-Kilnamona)
13. Shane Meehan (Banner), 14. Mark Rodgers (Scariff), 15. David Reidy (Éire Óg, Inis)
Subs:
And here is the Waterford team
1. Billy Nolan [Roanmore]
2. Ian Kenny [Ballygunner], 3. Mark Fitzgerald [Passage], 4. Aaron O’Neill [Ballygunner]
5. Calum Lyons [Ballyduff Lower], 6. Paddy Leavey [Ballygunner], 7. Shane Bennett [Ballysaggart]
8. Darragh Lyons [Dungarvan], 9. Jack Prendergast [Lismore]
10. Jack Fagan [De La Salle], 11. Stephen Bennett [Ballysaggart], 12. Jamie Barron [Fourmilewater]
13. Dessie Hutchinson [Ballygunner], 14. Seán Walsh [Fourmilewater], Michael Kiely [Abbeyside/Ballinacourty]
Subs:
Some pre-match reading:
Clare change before throw-in:
Shane O’Donnell starts ahead of Shane Meehan
Not long to go now. Can you call it?
Poll Results:
Waterford change to matchday panel before throw-in
Tom Barron will wear number 26 instead of Tadhg De Búrca
It’s national anthem time. We’re just moments away now
Throw-In! Clare v Waterford
1 min: Clare 0-0 Waterford 0-0
Clare take the first shot at the posts but it’s a wide. Jack Fagan then has Waterford’s first attempt at a score and he also misses.
1 min: Clare 0-0 Waterford 0-0
Tony Kelly the latest to have a go. But again, it’s wide
2 mins: Clare 0-0 Waterford 0-1
Waterford are off the mark as Stephen Bennett converts a free which he won.
4 mins: Clare 0-1 Waterford 0-1
A long, dropping ball falls to Peter Duggan at the edge of the square. He tries to wriggle around but the ball spills away and the referee calls for a free.
Mark Rodgers taps it over to get the equaliser.
Jamie Barron then has a long-range attempt that is off target.
5 mins: Clare 0-2 Waterford 0-1
Shane Bennett carries the ball forward for Waterford. It comes to Jamie Barron but he can’t control it. Tony Kelly then sends down a deliver to Duggan which falls to Shane O’Donnell.
He darts in around and fires it over. Clare lead.
6 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-2
Stephen Bennett stands over another free which he puts between the posts to bring the sides back level.
But Kelly then fetches the Clare puckout before drilling the ball over from distance.
7 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-3
Jamie Barron brings the sides back level again with his first of the day. A long ball is then directed to Waterford’s Seán Walsh but he gets surrounded and Clare break free.
9 mins: Clare 0-3 Waterford 0-3
Barron tries to give Waterford the lead but it’s a third wide for Waterford. Meanwhile, David Reidy is receiving some treatment but it looks like he should be ok to continue.
10 mins: Clare 0-4 Waterford 0-3
Brilliant team score from Clare as Rodgers makes the fetch and feeds to Sean Rynne for the score.
GOAL! Clare 0-4 Waterford 1-3 (Stephen Bennett ’10)
12 mins: Clare 0-5 Waterford 1-3
What a goal from Bennett!
It came from a rebound from his own shot from outside the large rectangle. And he was alert to pounce and finish past Éibhear Quilligan.
Kelly replies with a point.
14 mins: Clare 0-6 Waterford 1-3
O’Donnell comes out with the ball from a ruck and the referee then awards a free in to Clare as O’Donnell gets wrapped up.
Rodgers ties up the game again.
15 mins: Clare 0-7 Waterford 1-3
The ball comes in to O’Donnell but he can’t get it into his hands. Diarmuid Ryan then releases a monstrous hit from inside his own half and Clare are in front.
WATERFORD PENALTY! Clare 0-7 Waterford 1-3
GOAL! Clare 0-7 Waterford 2-3 (Stephen Bennett ’17)
19 mins: Clare 0-9 Waterford 2-3
Rodgers and Kelly produce the immediate response to that Stephen Bennett penalty and we’re level once more.
The penalty was awarded following a foul on Seán Walsh.
20 mins: Clare 0-10 Waterford 2-3
Duggan kicks the ball over the bar but he was obviously aiming for the net after making a big catch.
21 mins: Clare 0-10 Waterford 2-3
There could be trouble here for Stephen Bennett. His hurl struck the helmet of Adam Hogan and the referee is consulting with his umpires.
22 mins: Clare 0-10 Waterford 2-3
Yellow card!
It looked like there was no intent and he immediately checked on his opponent after the incident. Hogan is off as a temporary sub to get treatment.
The Bennett goals
27 mins: Clare 0-11 Waterford 2-4
Two big saves from Billy Nolan. The first from Ryan Taylor which is followed by a block down on O’Donnell in an attempt at a point.
Waterford then get a point through from a free and Rodgers then has a goal chance for Clare but Nolan denies him.
Dessie Hutchinson has got his name on the scoreboard and Rodgers has added another free.
28 mins: Clare 0-12 Waterford 2-5
Bennett squeezes a free inside the post to get the equaliser. Meanwhile, Hogan is back on and Conor Leen makes way.
Rynne then pops up with his second point of the day to edge Clare ahead again.
29 mins: Clare 0-12 Waterford 2-6
A sixth free of the day for Bennett.
30 mins: Clare 0-12 Waterford 2-6
Rodgers shoots from a narrow angle on the turn but it sails across the posts.
31 mins: Clare 0-12 Waterford 2-7
Hutchinson gives his side the lead with his second of the afternoon.
31 mins: Clare 0-12 Waterford 2-7
David Reidy is down needed treatment and the referee is discussing with his officials to decide if any action is required.
32 mins: Clare 0-13 Waterford 2-7
It’s a yellow card for Paddy Leavey as Clare take the free. The ball comes up to O’Donnell who provides the score from a tight angle.
Level once more.
34 mins: Clare 0-13 Waterford 2-8
Seán Walsh was about to run in for a goal chance but the referee bizarrely pulls them back for a free instead of playing advantage.
The Déise aren’t happy and will have to settle for a Bennett point from a free.
35 mins: Clare 0-13 Waterford 2-8
Two minutes of additional time announced.
35 mins: Clare 0-13 Waterford 2-8
Cathal Malone breaks out with the ball and earns a free on his way after a foul by Michael Kiely.
36 mins: Clare 0-14 Waterford 2-8
Rodgers levels it for a sixth time with his fifth of the day.
37 mins: Clare 0-15 Waterford 2-8
Players are clashing now after a mistimed tackle. Clare’s Seán Rynne is summoned and gets a yellow.
Darragh Lyons also gets a yellow for a challenge on O’Donnell. Clare get a free to close out the half and Rodgers sends it over.
Half-Time! Clare 0-15 Waterford 2-8
Second Half! Clare 0-15 Waterford 2-8
35 mins: Clare 0-16 Waterford 2-8
Ryan Taylor extends Clare’s advantage.
36 mins: Clare 0-16 Waterford 2-9
Bennett replies from a free to bring the difference back down to one.
37 mins: Clare 0-17 Waterford 2-9
Rynne having a brilliant game as he slots over his third of the day.
GOAL! Clare 1-17 Waterford 2-9 (Peter Duggan ’37)
40 mins: Clare 1-18 Waterford 2-9
Great start for Clare as Duggan’s deflected shot bounces into the net after a brilliant run from Rodgers to set up the chance.
Waterford create a goal chance of their own at the other end but Hogan does brilliantly to flick the ball away from Seán Walsh when he was winding up for the shot.
Rodgers scores another free and now they lead by six.
Waterford change: Shane Bennett replaced by Peter Hogan.
GOAL! Clare 1-18 Waterford 3-9 (Stephen Bennett ’41)
42 mins: Clare 1-18 Waterford 3-9
What a game we’re watching!
Bennett gets his hat-trick to bring Waterford back into the game after conceding that Duggan goal.
O’Donnell then has a shot at goal but Nolan produces another superb save. Such a dramatic contest.
44 mins: Clare 1-19 Waterford 3-9
Rodgers puts four between them from the resultant ’65.
45 mins: Clare 1-19 Waterford 3-10
Hutchinson with another vital point to cut the deficit once more.
46 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-10
O’Donnell once again with an immediate response. Clare then cut out a Waterford attack as Kelly takes a shot from around midfield but he’s off target and he looks he needs treatment after as he holds his head.
Waterford change: Here comes Austin Gleeson! He’s on for Kiely.
48 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-10
Waterford awarded a free in for charging by Rory Hayes after intercepting a ball in. He then gets a yellow card.
48 mins: Clare 1-20 Waterford 3-11
Bennett brings it back to three points again.
50 mins: Clare 1-21 Waterford 3-12
Diarmuid Ryan with another point from down town. Gleeson then announces himself to the stage with a point from out near the sideline.
He gives a fist pump after the score to mark his return.
50 mins: Clare 1-22 Waterford 3-12
Rynne with another to restore that four-point gap as Kelly hits another wide.
51 mins: Clare 1-23 Waterford 3-12
Darragh Lohan scores after rushing in to intercept a puckout that was intended for Peter Hogan.
52 mins: Clare 1-25 Waterford 3-12
Rodgers continues his brilliant display of free-taking and he has nine points. Clare win the puckout and O’Donnell throws over another point.
Clare are starting to run away it now.
54 mins: Clare 1-26 Waterford 3-12
Diarmuid Stritch, who just came on, is the latest to get on the board for Clare. Waterford need to find something quickly to get back into the contest.
55 mins: Clare 1-27 Waterford 3-13
That’s another free for Rodgers before Barron gets a much-needed point for Waterford.
56 mins: Clare 1-27 Waterford 3-14
Gleeson gets his second from out beside the sideline. Seven between the teams now.
59 mins: Clare 1-28 Waterford 3-16
Another massive catch from Duggan as a scramble ensues in front of the Waterford goal. The ball comes back to Rynne who put plenty of power behind the shot but keep it down as it sails over the bar.
Bennett slings the ball over from a free and there’s six between them coming into the final 10 minutes.
60 mins: Clare 1-29 Waterford 3-17
Stritch finds his range again as Waterford respond through Peter Hogan.
62 mins: Clare 1-30 Waterford 3-17
Bennett tries to cut the gap to five but his long-range effort is kept in by Quilligan just above the bar.
Rodgers with another free to bring his tally up to 11.
Clare change: Shane Meehan comes in for O’Donnell.
GOAL! Clare 1-30 Waterford 4-17 (Seán Walsh ’63)
64 mins: Clare 1-30 Waterford 4-17
GAME ON!
Seán Walsh storms through for his first championship goal. And now Waterford have an easy free for Bennett.
65 mins: Clare 1-30 Waterford 4-18
Bennett brings his tally to 3-9 and Waterford are purring again.
66 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-18
That’s a third point for Stritch.
Clare change: Ian Galvin comes in for Rynne.
67 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-18
Waterford change: Patrick Curran comes in for Barron.
67 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-18
Clare change: Adam Hogan makes way for Ronan Kilroy.
69 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-19
Waterford throw away a scorable chance as Walsh breaks through and decides to pass it out wide. They eventually get a free though and Bennett obliges.
70 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-19
Four minutes of injury time announced as Waterford earn another free.
70 mins: Clare 1-31 Waterford 4-20
And now we’re down to two as Bennett puts over the free.
71 mins: Clare 1-32 Waterford 4-20
Lohan pushes the margin back out to three.
72 mins: Clare 1-32 Waterford 4-21
SAVE!
Quilligan makes a crucial save but Waterford get a free and Bennett taps it over.
73 mins: Clare 1-32 Waterford 4-21
Tony Kelly!!
That could be the insurance point. Time is almost up.
GOAL! Clare 2-33 Waterford 4-21 (Shane Meehan ’74)
Full-Time! Clare 2-33 Waterford 4-21
Clare 2-33 Waterford 4-21
And that’s that!
Shane Meehan puts the seal on it with a goal right at the death to give Clare a six-point win. But Waterford fought back bravely, with Stephen Bennett picking up the man-of-the-match award after bagging 3-12.
Seán Walsh got the other goal for Waterford today while Peter Duggan also found the net for Clare.
Well, that’s all from us, folks.
Keep an eye out for our match report from Cusack Park and we’ll be bringing you through the Tipperary-Cork game as the Munster drama continued.
Thanks for being with us, and we hope you enjoyed the coverage.
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