GAA: Limerick defeat Clare as Armagh and Down pick up wins

Michael Bolton

All-Ireland hurling champions Limerick picked up an early season win over Clare with a 2-21 to 1-19 victory in the Munster Hurling League.

John Kiely's side took a 1-10 to 0-10 lead into the interval in front of a sold out Clarecastle, with Cathal O'Neil scoring a vital goal after Clare had scored five points without reply.

Limerick pushed on from this goal to take control of the second half, as a second goal from Luke Flynn securing the victory as he gave them a 10-point lead with five minutes remaining.

Clare scored a consolation goal through Peter Duggan to close the gap in a high-scoring affair.

In Ulster, it was the third round of the McKenna Cup as Armagh and Down picked up wins.

Armagh survived a late comeback from Tyrone as they held on for a 1-14 to 2-10 win over Tyrone.

Tyrone started brightly and scored their first goal through Tarlach Quinn after eight minutes to give them 1-3 0-1 lead.

Armagh had their goal in the 13th minute through Peter McGranne, as Tyrone took a 1-06 to 1-07 lead at half-time in a back and forward first half.

Armagh had the momentum in the second half, with Oisin O'Neil crucial as he scored 0-7, to power them into a 1-14 to 1-10 lead in the 70th minute.

Dalaigh Jones scored a late goal in the 72nd minute, but Armagh held on for victory at the Athletic Grounds.

There was also late drama in Páirc Esler, as Down's late scores gave them a 2-15 to 1-15 win.

Brian O'Connell scored the first goal of the game for Cavan, as 1-6 to 0-6 lead at the interval.

Rory Mason's in the 52nd minute brought Down back into the game, followed by Odhran Murdock's goal two minutes later as they were 2-8 to 1-9 ahead in the 54th minute.

The sides were level in the 72nd minute, before late points from Rory Mason, Pat Havern and Oisin Svage gave Down a three-point win.