Clare have won their opening game of 2013.
The Banner booked a spot in the last four of the Waterford Crystal Cup by beating UL in a final scoreline of 3-13 to 1-13.
Playing in front of nearly 500 fans in often-inclement conditions in Sixmilebridge, it was the students who fared best in the first half. With the advantage of the wind, they led 0-8 to 0-6 at the break.
Clare surged ahead in the early stages of the second half though, scoring 1-5 in quick succession – Nicky O’Connell chipped in 1-2 during this period, and the Banner led 1-11 to 0-8.
The students, who defeated Waterford last week, fought back however. Kieran Morris scored a crucial goal as they reduced the gap to a point, 1-11 to 1-10.
This woke Clare up however, and a Tony Kelly point was followed by goals from Seadna Morey and debutant Alan O’Neill. A late exchange of points gave Clare the eventual six-point win, and booked a spot for the Banner in the semi-finals when they will play Cork.
Clare lined out as follows: P. Kelly; D. McInerney, J.McInerney, C.Conney; B.Bugler, P.Donnellan (c), P. Kelly; N. O’Connell, C.Ryan; T. Kelly, F. Lynch, E. Barrett; D. O’Halloran, A. O’Neill, C. O’Connell.
Clare players Paul Flanagan, Conor Ryan, Shane Golden and Cathal Malone all started for UL.
Elsewhere today:
Waterford Crystal Cup SH quarter-finals
Tipperary 0-22 1-09 Limerick, McDonagh Park Nenagh
Walsh Cup SH quarter-finals
Wexford 1-24 1-15 Offaly, Blackwater
Carlow 1-09 2-15 Galway, Dr Cullen Park
FBD FL final
Sligo 0-05 0-08 Leitrim, Markievicz Park