Clare have been beaten by Kerry in the Munster Senior Football Championship semi final in Cusack Park by 1-17 to 1-13.
Clare led by 1-8 to 1-7 at half time, and looked very strong. They were dealt a major blow after just 5 minutes when Shane Hickey was black carded, and three mintues later Kerry struck for a goal through Paul Murphy. The Banner responded well and took the lead on 17 minutes when Shane McGrath finished to the net after great work from Podge Collins. That saw them lead by 1-5 to 1-2, but Kerry levelled once more, with Paul Geaney impressive. A David Tubridy point late in the half saw Clare go in at the break ahead.
Whatever Eamon Fitzmaurice said at half time worked, as it was a different Kerry in the second half. They outscored Clare by 0-10 to 0-5 in the second half, and Clare will rue some missed chances. Paul Geaney and Brian Sheehan were Kerry's chief second half scorers, and when the final whistle went, they were in front by 1-17 to 1-13.
Clare now await the draw for the second round of qualifiers, while Kerry take on Cork in the Munster Final.
