Clare 2-21

Tipperary 4-18

CLARE’S ALL-IRELAND TITLE defence is on the rocks after two goals apiece from John McGrath and Andrew Ormond sent Tipperary home with a three-point victory from Ennis.

All four goals arrived in the first half, but the Premier’s 12-point cushion was wiped out with seven minutes remaining.

Led by McGrath, Tipp dug in for four points on the trot in front of a sold-out 20,685 crowd. He pickpocketed the sliotar for the first before winning a tap-over free for Jason Forde. An Eoghan Connolly free and Seán Kenneally rounded out their scoring.

Mark Rodgers took his total to 1-13 (13 frees) and Clare had one last goal opening. However, Ryan Taylor’s pass to Peter Duggan didn’t go to hand, and Jake Morris cleared.

For Tipp, it marked a first Munster Championship win in 10 attempts and gives them a route to qualification at home to Waterford.

Clare’s slim prospects require victory over Limerick and other results to swing their way.

Read Stephen Barry’s full match report from Cusack Park on The 42.