Experienced coach Chris Boyd has left Munster and returned to his home in New Zealand after five months on the job Boyd was initially employed under a short-term deal which saw him take the role of Performance Consultant His time with the former European champions has entailed mixed results with the Irish province currently sitting in ninth place in the United Rugby Championship (URC) A poor run of form has resulted in just two wins in their past six matches including an unceremonious dumping from the Champions Cup at home to Bordeaux Begles saying: “A vastly experienced coach who provided invaluable support to our coaching team over the past five months our thanks to Chris for his time at the province and wishing him the very best for the future.” The 66-year-old has had an impressive career to date coaching some of the top sides around the world As recently as 2022 he was the Director of Rugby at Northampton Saints READ MORE: The ‘worrying’ 10-year record broken last weekend by the Irish provinces Munster have players returning to training this week having missed the Cardiff clash Diarmuid Barron and Craig Casey who all returned to action in Cardiff at the end of April and came through the game with no issues Munster’s poor season was summed up in their last match when all four Irish provinces were beaten in the URC on the same weekend for the first time since 2015 READ MORE: ‘I don’t know how much longer I’ll do it’ – Ilona Maher considers retirement Mark Fitzgerald of Waterford in action against Tom Morrissey and Shane O'Brien of Limerick during the Munster SHC round 3 match at Walsh Park in Waterford Limerick have beaten Waterford by six points in round three of the Munster SHC at Walsh Park GIVE EM WHAT THEY WANT!! 👊👊Gearóid Hegarty is FEEDING this crowd! 🥣Hurling clips brought to you by@eir #eirforall #WATvLIM pic.twitter.com/jgnKu8a2O9 Source: ghanasoccernet.com « Prev Next » Comments (9) Listen to Article German-Ghanaian midfielder David Clifford of Kerry is tackled by Cillian Brennan of Clare during the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney The trophy before the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Clare at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney Niall McIntyreSun 4 May 2025 at 14:30Kerry take on Clare in the Munster Senior Football Championship final at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney Former Kerry boss Peter Keane is aiming to guide the Banner to a shock victory over his native county Niall McIntyre will guide you through the action as it happens David Clifford admitted Kerry wanted to blitz Clare early on in the Munster final and it came to pass 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/Bu8xYFXVka Kerry manager Jack O'Connor feels his side are in an excellent place after bagging a second trophy of the year by dismantling Clare in the Munster Football Championship in Fitzgerald Stadium this afternoon but their 4-20 total was spread around their attacking players The game was over as a contest within 15 minutes from a blitz of goals something which the Kerry boss had made a priority for his team O'Connor told RTÉ Sport: "We got a great start and we were after that because we felt the pace that we had played at in Division 1 that maybe Claire wouldn't have been used to that in Division 3 they tightened things up maybe after the first 15 minutes "What it means basically is there's three cups up for grabs at the start; the league the Munster Championship and the All-Ireland so we have to turn our attention now to the big one "But there'll be a lot of water under the bridge and a lot of football to be played before we even think about hitting Croke Park but there were a few things we need to take you up on O’Connor highlighted the players to come back for the All-Ireland series as the sign that his county are well-placed to continue to winning habit The Kingdom made six changes to the team that defeated Cork in the semi-final two weeks ago "We have a lot of players in good form at the minute and a lot of competition for places We’re missing the likes of Paudie Clifford They'll be raring to go in the next couple of weeks We're going to lose players with the nature of the competition Mike Green came in today after Tadhg Morley did a great job above in Pairc Ui Chaoimh and did excellently for 50 minutes favoured the Kingdom with Roscommon at home as well as a rematch with Cork to come although recent history has shown that will not be a straight-forward affair so I think everybody will be forewarned this time Maybe a lot of people on the outside didn't think so So there'll be a good test here in a couple of weeks We’re playing two new teams in the group this year for us enjoy tonight and focus in on that next week." The Kerry boss did hit out at the timing of last week’s draw held before the provincial finals this week RTÉ GAA analyst Lee Keegan called the decision to hold the draw last Wednesday as "scandalous" O’Connor is seeking an explanation of why it has taken place before the finals for the last two years "I still can't figure out what was the logic behind it They were talking about maybe logistics or something but I can't see how that would help the logistics it takes away from the actual provincial final when you have the groups coming out on the Wednesday maybe somebody will educate me on the reasoning behind it but I can't personally see the logic of it." Peter Keane was left frustrated by the opening 15 minutes of the clash and knew it would define the encounter "The start was poor," the Banner boss conceded "It was 2-07 to 0-03 and then we lost a man to a black card so it all seemed to be just happening at the same time because if you look at the scoreboard at the end it's goals that win games and the difference was the goals." Down and the losers of the Leinster final await the Banner County in the coming weeks Asked if he thinks his side can bounce back great character in the second half in particular That was something that we spoke about inside at half-time "We were unlucky in a few goalscoring chances with the penalty that we put over the bar the focus was on this game and we'll worry about that now." RTÉ.ie is the website of Raidió Teilifís Éireann RTÉ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Office: (219) 809-0445 | On-Air Line: (219) 861-1632 | ric@wimsradio.com — Franciscan Health Munster has achieved Primary Stroke Certification through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) for stroke care Certification is a process through which healthcare organization demonstrate compliance with national standards Certification by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care ACHC is a nonprofit organization that has been as a symbol of quality and excellence since 1986 “Franciscan Health Munster is proud to continue our dedication to patient centered evidence-based quality care for our stroke patients,” said Emily Demario program coordinator for the Stroke Center at Franciscan Health Munster “Our dedication to the community in stroke education and care is at the forefront of our stroke mission We are grateful to continue Christ’s ministry in our Franciscan tradition by serving our patients and their loved ones.” More information about Franciscan Health Munster’s multi-disciplinary stroke care is available online or by calling (219) 922-4200 Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox and more info about our products and services © 2025 CNBC LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Division of NBCUniversal Data also provided by The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Friday’s URC Round 17 clash against Ulster at Thomond Park The game kicks off at 7.35pm with match tickets available here Diarmuid Barron and Craig Casey returned to action in Cardiff and came through the game with no issues Peter O’Mahony and Josh Wycherley as they all return to training this week having missed the Cardiff clash Performance Consultant Chris Boyd has completed his short-term contract with the province and returned home to New Zealand A vastly experienced coach who provided invaluable support to our coaching team over the past five months our thanks to Chris for his time at the province and wishing him the very best for the future Continuing to rehab: Jeremy Loughman (hamstring) Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here Munster v Argentina XV, Thomond Park, 5pm; Buy tickets here Record-Breaker Stephen Archer To Retire At End Of Season Gallery | Munster prepare for Ulster Interpro updates and exclusives about Munster Rugby The Munster squad are continuing preparations at the HPC ahead of Friday's Round 17 Interpro derby match at Thomond Park against Ulster 7.35pm News and reports on major Irish amateur and professional golf events Paul Coughlan (Castleknock) lifts the Munster Men's Stroke Play Amateur Open Championship trophy in 2024Picture: Golffile | Thos Caffrey Paul Coughlan returns to Cork Golf Club this weekend aiming to go back-to-back at the C20 Group Munster Men's Stroke Play Amateur Open Championship following his breakthrough win in the event last year. The Castleknock golfer captured his first championship crown in impressive fashion last season producing a final-day performance that saw him turn a six-shot deficit into a four-shot victory as Coughlan returns to the Little Island course he will look to draw on that experience as a motivator towards more success I had a couple of runners-up and near misses as well “I wouldn't say I have blown the previous ones I could really do with just getting one over the line Coughlan entered the final round in 2024 with a narrow two shot lead but with a chasing pack that included Darragh Flynn (Carton House) and playing partner Brian Doran (Millicent) closing in behind him the plan was to stay strong and continue with the tactic that had gotten him to the top of the leaderboard “I just remember having a bit of a tussle with Brian (Doran) going into the last round “I knew that the boys in the group behind weren't too far back either so it was just play aggressive the whole day.” That attacking mindset proved crucial and is something he plans to maintain this time around “I’m driving it pretty well again like I was last year,” said Coughlan “I think it would be kind of take the same tactics A 75-strong field including West of Ireland champion Dylan Holmes (Greystones) Flogas Irish Boys’ Amateur Open Champion John Doyle (Fota Island) and the recently returning Stuart Grehan (Co Louth) will also be looking to add their names to the trophy this year While Coughlan’s win last season marked his first championship win it also brought about a shift in mentality as the once more cautious and tactical player now competes with intent to win “I’m a lot more confident in my own ability now I can kind of just go at things to try to win the tournament It used to be a case of just plot your way around The C20 Group Munster Men's Stroke Play Amateur Open Championship begins at 7:30 am on Saturday as Zack Devlin (Cobh) Conor Hickey (Dooks) and local Cork hopeful Ian O’Rouke get proceedings underway before Coughlan begins the defence of his crown at 9:40 am alongside Keith Egan (Carton House) and Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock) The event once again sees four rounds of stroke play beginning tomorrow before the top 30 plus ties make it through to Sunday’s final two rounds View the first and second round tee times here Some of Ireland's up and coming young players are starting to strut their stuff at senior level and a new face may join the championship winners and claim the Munster Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club Douglas’ Peter O’Keeffe clinched the Munster Stroke Play Championship in stunning fashion at Cork Golf Club powering through the field on the final day to win by a staggering seven strokes Douglas’ Peter O’Keeffe fired rounds of 66 and 71 to take a one-stroke lead into the last two rounds of the Munster Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club The weather threw everything at the thirty-three qualifiers on the final day of play with strong winds making life difficult for players it was Jake Whelan (Grange) who stood up to the challenge and walked away as the 2024 Murray Timber Group Connacht Men’s Stroke Play Champion at Portumna Golf Club C2O Group will sponsor the 2O25 Munster Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club Powered by Squarespace Keith Egan of Carton House by Richard Martin-Roberts/R&A via Getty Images) Keith Egan and TJ Ford all share the lead heading into the final 36 holes of the Munster Strokeplay at Cork Golf Club The trio are tied at the top on three-under-par after two rounds with the final two rounds to be played on Sunday Former West of Ireland champion Egan fired a best of the afternoon score of 67 as he recovered from a morning 74 to keep his hopes alive The Carton House man roared out of the traps with three birdies in his first five holes before adding a brace of birdies on the 11th and 12th A birdie on 16 pushed him out in front on his own but a dropped shot at the last pulled him back into the pack Ford went one better than his morning 71 with an afternoon 70 that included a rollercoaster front nine of just two pars The former South of Ireland winner birdied the second sixth and eighth holes but bogeyed the fourth and doubled the par-3 7th Maynooth University student James O’Rourke is in unchartered territory as he hunts his first men’s title The Naas man improved on a morning 73 with a sublime 68 Tucked in behind the leaders is former professional Stuart Grehan on two-under after back to back rounds of 71 alongside Dean O’Riordan Scoring HERE Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest Irish Golfer news straight to your inbox document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "add6397a10ecaeeefcff107d2065a2b0" );document.getElementById("a75f86a167").setAttribute( "id" and website in this browser for the next time I comment This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Service apply Address:Match Play Media LimitedThe Kinsealy GrangeChapel 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No information on this website may be reproduced without written permission from Match Play Media. | Privacy Policy | Website by FlyingFish.ie Munster SFC final: Kerry 4-20 (4-3-14) Clare 0-21 (0-2-17)By the half-hour mark it was less a match than a siege. Kerry have probably won easier Munster football titles than this over the years and this win was about as cool and unerring as they come Four goals inside the opening 26 minutes made sure of that. David Clifford helped himself to the first two and would have had three if the crossbar in Fitzgerald Stadium wasn’t reinforced steel Micheál Burns and then Barry Dan O’Sullivan followed suit after two selfless build ups Kerry moving the ball with the confidence of a grandmaster playing chess against a novice That took the life out of whatever fight Clare brought to Killarney. To their credit Clare never fell into a retreat. After trailing by 15 points at the break, 4-10 to 0-7, they came out and won the second half by four, the excellent Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney leading the chase. Their problem was Kerry’s foundation for victory, like the backdrop of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, remained daunting. McMahon was also black-carded in the first half, which didn’t aid their case. So before an increasingly muted crowd of 13,181 on a blissful day inside Fitzgerald Stadium, Kerry wrapped up Munster title number 86, their fifth in succession. All without breaking any sweat. Seánie O’Shea made his first start for Kerry since February, and kicked two two-pointers, Paul Geaney continuing his rich vein of form, as did Joe O’Connor at midfield. No wonder manager Jack O’Connor was a picture of contentment afterwards, even if he did concede there was some sloppiness in the second half. “Look, you’d love to keep going the same as we did in the first half, but it’s human nature,” he said. “Fellas lose a bit of focus. Then we made a lot of substitutions in the second half. Seánie was having a tremendous game on the 40 and taking him out of there maybe upset our rhythm a bit. Sure listen, we kicked 4-20. That’d win you most games, wouldn’t it? “I am a lot happier than I was coming out of Ennis last year [after the Munster final win over Clare]. There was a bit of anti-climax in Ennis. I thought there were times today when we played really good football, particularly in the first half. “We got a little bit sloppy in the second half and turned over the ball a bit, but you’d be a hard taskmaster if you were quibbling with that performance.” Clifford’s opening goal set the mood and the trend. From the Kerry kick-out, O’Sullivan fielded a great ball, passing off to Tony Brosnan, who then set up Clifford, who danced around for a bit before shooting into the net. He then pointed to the sky, a gesture to his mother Ellen, who died on the eve of the Munster final two years ago. He also did this without the sibling telepathy of Paudie Clifford, suspended for the day. He finished with 2-5, including a two-pointer of his own. “The forwards are combining,” added O’Connor. “What I like about it is the unselfish nature of the goals. There was a great move there where Barry Dan palmed it in at the back post. There were a couple of lads who could have lashed it in themselves, but they worked a great team goal. So delighted with that.” Clare were given some hope when awarded a soft penalty on 27 minutes, only for Keelan Sexton to blast his shot over the bar. O’Shea continued to show a welcome return to form, adding two more frees before the break, Kerry’s passing by foot or hand at times dazzling. It was the first time Clare manager Peter Keane, the former Kerry manager, faced his native county. Given the way the first half had gone, he could afford some air of contentment too. There was no exchange of words with O’Connor on the sideline afterwards however. “We had about seven turnovers in the first half, but we conceded 3-1 from those turnovers. That really hurt us,” said Keane. “But I thought our lads showed great character and resilience in the second half. They came out and they fought, we had a couple of goal chances which we didn’t convert, but if you look at the scoreboard at the end of the day, it was the goals that were the difference. “It hurts you [conceding goals] and you’ve got to remember you’re talking about a team in Division 3 versus a team that were champions of Division 1. They’re playing at a higher level regularly, and they’re playing at home. “I’m proud of the way the lads didn’t lie down. They fought very, very well to bring it back to what we got.” Kerry introduced three debutants off the bench in the second half − Mark O’Shea, Evan Looney and Keith Evans − with Diarmuid O’Connor also back from injury this week. With that Kerry head into the All-Ireland series a step ahead of this time last year, which is plenty good for now. KERRY: S Murphy; D Casey, J Foley, T O’Sullivan; B Ó Beaglaoich, M Breen, G White (capt); J O’Connor, BD O’Sullivan (1-0-1); T Brosnan, S O’Shea (0-2-4, 3 frees), M Burns (1-0-0), D Clifford (2-1-3, 1 free), P Geaney (0-0-4, 1 free). D Geaney (0-0-2). Subs: K Spillane for O’Shea, R Murphy for Brosnan (both 52 mins), T Morley for Breen (54 mins), M O’Shea for O’Sullivan (56 mins), K Evans for Burns (58 mins). CLARE: E Tubridy; M Doherty (0-0-1), C Brennan, R Lanigan; C Rouine, I Ugweuru, A Sweeney, B McNamara (0-0-2), D Walsh (0-0-1); A Griffin (0-0-1), E McMahon (0-2-4, three frees), D Coughlan; K Sexton (0-0-2, 1 pen), E Clearly, McInerney (0-0-6, 2 frees, 1 45). Subs: C Meaney for Sweeney, S Griffin for Walsh (both 54 mins), E Cahill for Sexton (59 mins), R McMahon for Rouine (63 mins), D Burns for Cleary (68 mins). Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC The Munster squad are continuing preparations at the HPC ahead of Friday’s Round 17 Interpro derby match at Thomond Park against Ulster 7.35pm Read this week’s Squad Update ahead of the game here Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here Squad Update | Munster Begin Preparations For Ulster At Thomond The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Friday's URC Round 17 clash against Ulster at Thomond Park John Doyle won at Cork Golf Club for the second time in the nine days when he made eight birdies in a sensational six-under 66 to win the CO2 Group Munster Stroke Play Championship by a shot After claiming a wire-to-wire win in the Irish Boys Amateur Open the Fota Island star (17) was two shots off the lead after 36 holes and five behind Dundalk's Eoin Murphy after a third round 73 Scores But he saved the best for last at Little Island in the afternoon sandwiching a lone double bogey six at the eighth between birdies at the first He won by a shot on six-under 282 from Knock’s Ross Latimer It feels nearly better than the first,” Doyle said of his win “It was different to last week because I had a five-shot deficit instead of a five-shot lead “I'm just really happy that I was aggressive It's just a really good round to be fair.” Co Sligo’s TJ Ford  was fifth on 284 after a final round 70 while Carton House’s Keith Egan closed with a 66 to finish a shot further back in fifth alongside Portmarnock’s James Temple Co Louth’s Stuart Grehan followed rounds of 71 71 and 70 with a 74 to finish seventh on two-under as defending champion Paul Coughlan took seven on level par In the 59th Lytham Trophy Malone's Matthew McClean (31) finished tied for third behind Frenchman Hugo Lee Goff at Royal Lytham and St Annes The former US Mid-Amateur champion followed a level par 70 in round three with a closing 73 to tie with Scotland's Andrew Davidson England's Max Hopkins and Welshman Matt Roberts on eight-over 288 They were three strokes behind recently crowned Spanish Amateur Open winner Le Goff who followed a morning 72 with a four-under 66 to win by one stroke from Lindrick's Tom Osborne on five-over 285 Athenry's Davit Kitt was joint 14th on 294 with Connemara's Luke O'Neill (295) tied 17th Dundalk's Caolan Rafferty (297) joint 22nd Edmondstown's Thomas Abom (301) tied 34th and Co Sligo's Aodhagan Brady (304) joint 40th Jake Whelan holds a five-shot lead at halfway in the Munster Men's Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club Grange’s Jake Whelan fed off his breakthrough win in last year’s Mullingar Scratch Trophy to romp to a wire-to-wire seven-shot win in the Munster Stroke Play at Cork Golf Club County Sligo’s TJ Ford shot rounds of 71 and 70 to share the 36-hole lead with Carton House’s Keith Egan and Naas’ James O’Rourke in the Munster Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club Brian Casey won the Munster Strokeplay by 10 shots.Headfort’s Brian Casey cruised to an impressive 10 shot win in the Munster Strokeplay Championship at Cork Golf Club The reigning Irish Youths Amateur Close champion shots rounds of 74 64 and 66 to finish on 15 under par 273 and win comfortably from West Waterford’s Gary Hurley (283) and Rathsallagh’s Jack Hume (286) The Lake County Government Center is seen from above in Crown Point A Lake County judge on Thursday denied a motion by the Hammond Sanitary District to dismiss a lawsuit that the Town of Munster brought against the district in November At the center of the case is Munster's allegation that the HSD a special taxing district that provides sewer services to Hammond and Munster violated the terms of a 1994 contract between the two entities by withholding tax revenue to which the town was legally entitled The lawsuit further alleges that the district has denied the town a meaningful say in setting rates for HSD customers and has charged Munster taxpayers for infrastructure projects that do not benefit the town attorneys for the district filed a motion to dismiss the case In addition to disputing the town's claim that the HSD violated the terms of the 1994 contract, they cited an Indiana statute mandating that legal actions stemming from "bills of exchange or other written contracts for the payment of money" must be filed within six years of the relevant transaction Munster lacks the legal authority to bring its case against the HSD In a response filed the following month, Munster's attorneys countered that a suit concerning the 1994 contract, which governs the relationship between the town and the district beyond simply describing payments owed, should be bounded instead by a different state statute that sets a 10-year statute of limitations on actions stemming from contract disputes they argued that the HSD has committed a new breach of the contract during each year of the last three decades when it failed to deliver owed tax revenue to the town Munster’s claims for breach of the 1994 Agreement can extend at least as far back as (10) years from the date of the Complaint," they wrote Indiana trial rules allow defendants to seek the dismissal of a lawsuit for "failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted"— that is for not alleging circumstances that would entitle the plaintiff to a legal remedy if they were proven to be true After reviewing nearly 90 pages of court filings from both sides and listening to oral arguments in his Crown Point courtroom Lake Superior Court Judge Bruce Parent determined that Munster's suit did clear that bar "It's such a low standard that I can't grant this motion," Parent said deadline for the parties to conduct discovery — the process through which parties to a court case locate obtain and share documentary evidence that is relevant to litigation Read through the obituaries published today in The Times Email 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latest properties available in Limerick and County Limerick Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Limerick and County Limerick Limerick and County Limerick Met Eireann Weather Forecast Recent death notices and obituaries from Limerick and County Limerick Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism THE Munster Rugby squad have started preparations at their High Performance Centre at UL ahead of Friday’s United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash against Ulster at Thomond Park Peter O’Mahony and Josh Wycherley as they all return to training this week having missed the Cardiff clash READ MORE: John Kiely calls for massive Limerick support ahead of Cork showdown at TÚS Gaelic Grounds On the injury front, Mike Haley, Gavin Coombes, Calvin Nash, Diarmuid Barron and Craig Casey returned to action in Cardiff and came through the game with no issues. Munster Rugby also confirmed that Performance Consultant Chris Boyd has completed his short-term contract with the province and returned home to New Zealand. Munster say that the vastly experienced coach provided 'invaluable support' to their coaching team over the past five months and thanked Boyd for his time at the province and wished him the very best for the future. Continuing to Rehab: Jeremy Loughman (hamstring), Ethan Coughlan (hamstring), Billy Burns (shoulder), Shane Daly (hamstring), Dave Kilcoyne (Achilles), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee). " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g, ' To continue reading this article, please subscribe and support local journalism! Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles. To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in. Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites. You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news! The former Desmond Arms complex in Catherine Street is being marketed as The Printworks, reflecting a time when this newspaper was printed in the area | PICTURE: Adrian Butler Michael Sweeney, managing director at Select Forest Ltd Join Slimming World Ireland and donate your clothes to charity when you lose the weight! Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles. Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm. This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie. ATTENDANCE DOWN: The Kerry and Clare players march behind the Millstreet Pipe Band in the parade before the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile In the latest sign of the dwindling interest in the Munster football championship the total attendance figure for the 2025 edition represented a slight decrease on last year’s 35,823 equivalent is that the overall 33,491 figure is smaller than the 35,651 which attended the 2015 Munster final drawn game between Cork and Kerry at Fitzgerald Stadium.  The replay crowd of 32,233 wasn’t far off either from standing taller than the combined total from this year’s five-game series Of the two provincial football finals played on Sunday the crowd in Killarney was less than half the 27,137 that paid in for Galway-Mayo in Castlebar while bigger than the Kerry-Clare deciders of the past two years at Ennis (12,059) and Limerick (12,499) respectively was still 59% down on the last non-Covid Munster football final - 2017- to take place in Killarney It is now seven years - stretching back to the 2018 Cork-Kerry final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh - that a Munster football fixture has drawn a crowd in excess of 20,000 The average per game attendance for 2025 equates to a paltry 6,700 Munster chairman Tim Murphy accepted there is a body of work to be done to make their provincial football championship more attractive than is currently the case “Over recent years much has been said and written about the competitiveness and non-competitiveness of Munster football "The Munster Football Championship received a badly needed boost two weeks ago when we witnessed an exhilarating semi-final clash between Cork and Kerry had everything that is good about Gaelic Football “The new rules are certainly contributing to the improvements but it is incumbent on us as a provincial council to review and consider what we can do better to further enhance Gaelic Football as a spectacle within Munster and create the conditions and structures necessary to improve and enhance the game for players and spectators alike “We will be discussing this and working on what we can do to achieve the best possible outcome over the coming weeks and months.” From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser You have accepted push notifications for this content. If you would like to manage your push notification preferences, you can do so here. © Examiner Echo Group Limited, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork. Registered in Ireland: 523712. Clare have been beaten by Tipperary in today’s Munster Minor Football Phase 1 Final. Tipp recorded a 1-16 to 1-14 win at FBD Semple Stadium this afternoon to take home the Daryl Darcy Cup. Nothing could seperate the sides at the end of the 60 minutes, with a last gasp Tipperary free tieing the game at 12 points each and sending it to extra time. At the start of the extra period, Conor Burke struck a remarkable goal for the Banner but Tipp responded in kind and spurred on by a goal from a penalty claimed the cup with a two point win. Make sure to keep up to date and follow us on all platforms Cork's Joe Miskella shoots a point from Kerry's Eoghan Joy during the Electric Ireland Munster MFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn. Picture: Eddie O'Hare Kerry in the end proved too strong for brave Cork in the Electric Ireland Munster MFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn on Monday evening All is not lost for Keith Ricken’s charges who still advance to the last four of the provincial championship where they will meet Tipperary next Monday away from home Cork’s first-half performance was very good Wayward shooting was their downfall though especially in the opening 30 minutes but Cork should have had their noses in front Kerry then showed their quality after half-time It’s a learning experience for the young Leesiders that should stand to them for the semi-final They certainly will take more positives out of the game than negatives It's another loss to the old rivals though It’s Cork’s 11th successive defeat to Kerry at all grades Cork's Donagh Flynn hammers home his goal against Kerry during the Electric Ireland Munster MFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn Picture: Eddie O'HareIn front of a sizeable crowd bossing the possession resulting in a goal chance after two minutes but Seán O’Sullivan’s effort was saved by Kerry goalkeeper Ruairí Kennedy Ricken’s side did find the net when Donagh Flynn finished low following a driving run Both sides traded points with Cork’s score coming from the boot of Ben Corkery-Delaney The Rebels also registered five wides during that time but Kerry were gaining an upper hand in midfield as the Kingdom were going into their purple patch Gearóid White sent over a two-pointer followed by three unanswered white flags by Kerry as they led for the first time with eight minutes to the break Cork's goalkeeper Rory Twohig on free kicking duty against Kerry during the Electric Ireland Munster MFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn Picture: Eddie O'HareThe Leesiders then had their own purple patch with a Corkery-Delaney two-pointer and efforts from Murphy and impressive sub Joe Miskella to lead by three points but their opposition drew level when White converted a two-point free and a Kevin Griffin effort Griffin landed a pair of 45 frees at the start of the new half for Kerry as they took the sting out of the game The visitors put together three points on the trot as they seized control of the contest They then raised a green flag two minutes later through Ben Kelliher Cork's Jerry O'Leary wins the ball from Kerry's Tadhg O'Connell during the Electric Ireland Munster MFC quarter-final at Páirc Uí Rinn Picture: Eddie O'HareWhite extended his side’s advantage before Cork sub Tom Whooley hit 1-1 in two minutes Kerry put the game to bed though with 1-1 of their own with Tadhg O’Connell scoring the goal The game petered out with Kerry landing two of the last three points CORK: R Twohig (Kilmeen); B Coffey (Clonakilty) M Kiernan (Carrigaline); J O’Leary (Ballinascarthy) B Cronin (Ballincollig); S Kelleher-Leavy (Macroom) R Hayes (Carbery Rangers); N O’Callaghan (Castlehaven) S O’Sullivan (Aghabullogue); P Murphy (Donoughmore) Subs: J Miskella (Ballincollig) for S O’Sullivan (25) E Ger O’Sullivan (Clyda Rovers) for E Aherne T Whooley (Clonakilty) for P Murphy (both 38) J Hanrahan (Mitchelstown) for J O’Leary (54) more Cork GAA articles Keep up-to-date with the top stories in Cork with our daily newsletter straight to your inbox Please click here for our privacy statement. Join Éamonn Murphy, Denis Hurley and Barry O'Mahony on the new season of The Echo Sport Podcast where they'll be analysing Cork GAA. Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more Fáilte chuig gaa.ie - suíomh oifigiúil CLG The Tipperary minor footballers pictured before victory over Clare. Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 1 final Tipperary 1-16 (1-0-16) Clare 1-14 (1-3-8) (AET) Tipperary came with a 1-2 burst in extra-time to regain the Darrel Darcy Cup with a dramatic two-point victory over Clare at FBD Semple Stadium. The Premier had to come from 11 points behind to pip the Banner seven days previous just to make this Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 1 final. Jack Kearney and Seán Burke’s fourth point closed the gap but Conor Burke brought his tally to 1-9 with a two-point free into the wind. But it was level at the final change of ends after Seán Griffin was held for a penalty, which Dylan McCormack drove down the middle. From there, a free from captain Ned O’Meara and Killian Smith’s clincher saw Tipp home. Both sides advance to Munster semi-finals against Cork and Kerry next Monday. Tipp’s intent was clear from the start. They registered the opening brace of points through Dara Maher and Seán Burke. Both punched the air in celebration. Liam Casey outpaced two defenders for Clare’s starter before Tipp thought they had a goal in the 10th minute. McCormack’s shot beat the keeper and was touched in by O’Meara but the green flag didn’t go up due to a square ball. Conor Burke’s first levelled the game. It was the only time the sides would be level until the final kick of regulation. Tipp pressed ahead as Cormac McInerney came up with two excellent turnovers, the second of which led to a Seán Burke point. Conor Burke shimmied through the Tipp defence but was denied by James O’Brien. At the other end, Aaron McAndrew gathered a high ball but fired wide of the net. O’Meara’s pair and one from McCormack kept Tipp’s noses in front against responses from Conor Burke and Danny Lyne. 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time. Burke was growing to dominate the game with points off his left and right before spinning on the spot for a breathtaking effort. Clare didn’t score after the 44th minute and Tipp chipped away through an O’Meara free and Seán Burke point. The hosts were down to 14 for the final 10 minutes due to Darragh Bresnan’s black card but forced a goal chance, which Oisín Tierney brilliantly tipped over from Niall Delaney. There was time for one more play and Killian Fitzgerald drew the free for O’Meara to equalise. Scorers for Tipperary: Ned O’Meara 0-7 (6f); Dylan McCormack 1-1 (1-0p); Seán Burke 0-4; Niall Delaney, Jack Kearney, Killian Smith, Dara Maher 0-1 each. Scorers for Clare: Conor Burke 1-9 (2 2ptf); Michael Normoyle 0-2 (2pt); Ajay Daly, Danny Lyne, Liam Casey 0-1 each. TIPPERARY: James O’Brien; Cormac McInerney, Daniel Charles, Conor Hurley; Jack Kearney, Niall Delaney, Darragh Bresnan; Seán Griffin, Aaron McAndrew; Aaron Brazil, Killian Smith, Seán Burke; Dylan McCormack, Ned O’Meara, Dara Maher. Subs: Seán Cleary for Brazil (h-t), Charlie Hall for McAndrew (44), Cillian Morrissey for Maher (46), Reuben Grace for Smith (60), Killian Fitzgerald for Cleary (60), Smith for Burke (73), Rory O’Reilly for Kearney (77). CLARE: Oisín Tierney; Cian Corry, Aidan O’Connell, James Rafferty; Eoin Murphy, Shane Cahill, Ajay Daly; Donncha O’Dwyer, Danny Lyne; Liam Keane, Jack O’Loughlin, Ruben Fallon; Conor Burke, Liam Casey, Cathal McNamara. Subs: Michael Normoyle for O’Loughlin (h-t), Aaron Kelly for Keane (h-t), Rian O’Neill for Murphy (45), Ollie Sherlock for Casey (49), Seán Hegarty for Lyne (54), Darragh Fahy for O’Connell (h-t e-t), TJ Moore for Fallon (h-t e-t), Casey for McNamara (73). GAA.ie Football Team of the Week22 minutes ago Kerry impress in Electric Ireland Munster MFC win over Cork13 hours ago Tipp beat Clare in Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 1 Final17 hours ago Referees named for Ulster and Leinster SFC Finals1 days ago Official Sponsors of the GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Official Sponsors of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Kerry's Micheál Burns scores his side’s third goal. Pic: Laszlo Geczo, Inpho is there an Irish sporting blue riband left that routinely falls flat and offers such a meagre ration of teaspach as Munster’s football decider Not until Cork get their house in order – and that may be a while – can the province extricate its football championship from this parlous slumber the latest chapter of which played out in front of 13,181 diehards at Fitzgerald Stadium This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Introductory offers for new customers. Annual billed once for first year. Renews at €120. Monthly initial discount (first 4 months) billed monthly, then €10 a month. Ts&Cs apply more gaelic football articles Ikem Ugwueru of Clare shoots to score a goal despite the efforts of Sean O'Shea of Kerry during the 2024 Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Clare at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by John Sheridan/Sportsfile Kerry v Clare, Fitzgerald Stadium, 1.45pm (RTE) For the third year in a row, Kerry and Clare contest the Munster Senior Football Final. Kerry won by 14 points in 2023 and seven points last year so the big question is whether Clare can continue that trend of being increasingly competitive. They’ll take some encouragement from the trouble that Cork gave Kerry in a Munster semi-final that went to extra-time. The Kingdom looked quite vulnerable defensively in that game, though the inclusion of the returning Tom O’Sullivan and Mike Breen for this match should tighten things up. It’s not all positive news on the player availability front for the Kingdom though. Paudie Clifford is ruled out through suspension while Shane Ryan (knee), Paul Murphy (calf), and Graham O’Sullivan (groin) are all injured. Clifford, in particular, is a big loss because he’s their creative hub in attack and has been in sparkling form. Sean O’Shea isn’t a bad replacement though as he returns from injury to start his first game since February. Clare have made two changes to the team that defeated Tipperary in their semi-final as Ikem Ugwueru and Daniel Walsh come in for Ciaran Downes and Fionn Kelleher. The return of Ugwueru from injury is a big boost because his athleticism and ability to beat players brings a lot of dynamism to how Clare transition from defence to attack. Clare should field a greater attacking threat than they did in last year’s Munster Final with both Keelan Sexton and Eoin Cleary returned to the fold having taken a year out in 2024. It’s still a big ask though for the Division Three team to win what would be just their third ever Munster title and first since 1992 because Kerry’s firepower with David Clifford leading the line will be difficult to resist. KERRY: Shane Murphy; Dylan Casey, Jason Foley, Tom O'Sullivan; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O'Connor, Barry Dan O'Sullivan; Tony Brosnan, Seán O'Shea, Micheál Burns, David Clifford, Paul Geaney, Dylan Geaney. Subs: Seán Coffey, Tadhg Morley, Damien Bourke, Killian Spillane, Ruairi Murphy, Mark O'Shea , Armin Heinrich, Seán O'Brien, Conor Geaney, Evan Looney, Keith Evans. CLARE: Eamon Tubridy; Manus Doherty, Cillian Brennan, Ronan Lanigan; Cillian Rouine, Ikem Ugweuru, Alan Sweeney; Brian McNamara, Daniel Walsh; Aaron Griffin, Emmet McMahon, Dermot Coughlan; Keelan Sexton, Eoin Cleary, Mark McInerney. Subs: Tristan O'Callaghan, Fionn Kelleher, Conor Meaney, Shane Griffin, Gavan Murray, Darragh Burns, Rory McMahon, Evan Cahill, Diarmuid O'Donnell, Cormac Murray, Darren Nagle. GAA.ie Footballer of the Week nominees19 minutes ago GAA.ie Football Team of the Week1 hours ago Kerry impress in Electric Ireland Munster MFC win over Cork14 hours ago Tipp beat Clare in Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 1 Final18 hours ago Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship result Sign up now to keep up to date with the latest news. You are subscribed now! please check your email to confirm your subscription. Munster SFC final: Kerry 4-20 (4-3-15) Clare 0-21 (0-2-16) Connacht SFC final: Galway 1-17 (1-3-11) Mayo 1-15 (1-2-11) here is Ian O’Riordan’s match report from Killarney [ Kerry's first-half goal blitz enough to see off ClareOpens in new window ] Gordon Manning has smoke coming out of the laptop after all that... “Galway held off Mayo’s second-half comeback to claim a fourth consecutive Connacht title for the first time since the 1960s. But, as ever, Mayo will have regrets. “Mayo hit three wides in the moments later. Matthew Tierney made some great fetches in the middle of the field for Galway in the closing stages and the black card to Mayo defender Rory Brickenden left the home side at a numerical disadvantage coming down the straight. Dylan McHugh made an incredible extra-time-denying diving block in the closing seconds to prevent a Mayo equaliser. “Where Kevin McStay’s men might believe they came up short, Galway will feel they showed the steel and resilience of champions. A missed opportunity for Mayo but ultimately it’s a record 51st Connacht title for Galway.” So much for people thinking twice about trying to win the Connacht final. That was a monumental game of football. Galway’s reward is to bring Dublin to Salthill in a fortnight. Mayo will be at home to Cavan. Full-time: Galway 1-17 Mayo 1-15 - The Tribesmen are crowned Connacht champions after edging out Mayo in MacHale Park.📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 Listen @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ECmd6Hyidk pic.twitter.com/bcqfNJgJPf The game swung on two goalkeeping moments. Colm Reape’s kick-out that got Rory Brickenden black-carded killed Mayo’s momentum. And then, late on, Connor Gleeson’s save from Enda Hession kept Galway’s noses in front. Huge moments. What a result for Galway. Mayo had pretty much wiped out their eight-point lead inside the opening 10 minutes of the second half. But they hung in there and kept Mayo at arms’ length, never actually going behind. Brilliant from Joyce’s team. FULL-TIME: Galway win! Mayo needed to score a two-pointer after the hooter went. It fell to Mattie Ruane to try it and he skewed it wide on the right! Galway 1-17 Mayo 1-15 68 mins: Fantastic score from Galway! Brilliant block-down at one end, gorgeous finish at the other by Liam Ó Conghaile. Galway 1-17 Mayo 1-15 67 mins: WHAT A SAVE! Connor Gleeson dives to his left to deny Enda Hession. Mayo have a 45 - Colm Reape has to score this. And he does! Galway 1-16 Mayo 1-15. 65 mins: Oh, that’s a very harsh free on Galway. But Ryan O’DOnoghue leaves the free short! Mayo’s body language is so poor now. They just need to settle and take their chances. But Galway are seeing this out professionally. 64 mins: Paul Conroy kicks Galway two clear! Galway have an extra man at all times now and it makes such a difference. The life has gone out of Mayo just for a bit. But they have the wind, remember. Galway 1-16 Mayo 1-14 62 mins: Black card for Mayo! Rory Brickenden pays for a terrible kick-out from Colm Reape, leaving it short inside the arc. It was intercepted and Brickenden dragged his man down. Finnerty kicks the free, Galway will have an extra man for the rest of the game. Galway 1-15 Mayo 1-14 60 mins: O’Donoghue levels it again after Jack Glynn touches the ball on the ground. Mayo 1-14 Galway 1-14 57 mins: Phenomenal resistance from Cillian McDaid. That’s a towering score on the run, showing the accuracy that Mayo have been missing. Galway 1-14 Mayo 1-13 Mayo are rushing their shots. That’s three wides in a row, two from sub Paul Towey. If they keep their heads, they’ll win this. Galway hanging on by a fingernail. 53 mins: We’re level! Ryan O’Donoghue kicks a monster free that looks like it should be a two-pointer but Gleeson gets a fingertip to it as it crosses the bar and that reduces it to one. Replays suggest the ball had already crossed the bar but we go on regardless. Mayo have all the momentum now. Mayo 1-13 Galway 1-13 50 mins: Davitt Neary pulls it back to one. It was a goal chance but it was blazed over. Galway 1-13 Mayo 1-12 45 mins: This is a cracking game now. Mayo turn Rob Finnerty over in their own full-back line and break forward with kick passes, ending up with Darren McHale splitting the posts to bring it back to one. But Cillian McDaid puts in a heroic run to lift the siege for Galway and he’s eventually fouled in front of the posts. Finnerty polishes it off and the gap is two again. Galway 1-13 Mayo 1-11 43 mins: Connor Gleeson’s kick-outs are under huge pressure now and this one has ended up with a tap-over free from O’Donoghue. And though he gets the next one away, O’Donoghue robs Sean Mulkerrin and sprints forward to fist a point from the endline. Two in it now. Galway 1-12 Mayo 1-10 39 mins: Another two-pointer for Mayo, this time from Mattie Ruane. O’Donoghue kicked a free and then they monstered the Galway kick-out, culminating in Ruane hooking a lovely score. Four in it now. Galway 1-12 Mayo 1-8 37 mins: Matthew Tierney replies for Galway after a brilliant back-door cut. Galway 1-12 Mayo 1-5 36 mins: Just like that, in fact. Ryan O’Donoghue immediately cuts the gap with a two-pointer. The Galway players are saying it took a touch from a defender but the orange flag goes up and the gap is down to two. Galway 1-11 Mayo 1-5 Almost ready to go again in Castlebar. If Mayo are going to win this, their shooting has to improve enormously. Aidan O’Shea, Jordan Flynn and Davitt Neary all made bad shooting errors in that first half. The wind is all well and good but they need to find their radar. “Galway lead at the interval but is the advantage with Mayo? The main question being debated all around MacHale Park right now is one that is fast becoming the phrase of this year’s All-Ireland senior football championship: ‘What do you think that wind is worth?’ “While Colm Reape’s kickouts hung in the air, Connor Gleeson was able to drive his well into opposition territory. Mayo started the game well and Darren McHale’s seventh minute goal gave the home side a 1-2 to 0-2 lead. However, it would be the 34th minute before they added to that tally. “Galway’s first three scores of the game were a trio of booming two-pointers by Paul Conroy. Matthew Tierney tucked away a 27th minute penalty for Galway though Mayo could justifiably feel it was a soft spot-kick to be given against them. “Worryingly for Galway, at the half-time whistle John Maher appeared to indicate to the line that he was injured and he limped gingerly off the pitch at the break. “So, Galway lead by eight but is that a 10-11-12 point wind they face in the second half? And if it is, do Mayo have the forwards to take advantage of that breeze? We’ll find out soon enough.” It's Half Time In Castlebar in the @ConnachtGAA Football Final 🏆@MayoGAA 1-3@Galway_GAA 1-11Watch the highlights 📽️ here #MAYvGAL pic.twitter.com/lOYiij0Jd0 Half-time: Galway 1-11 Mayo 1-3. Rob Finnerty finishes the half with an easy free from the right-hand side. Eight points up at the break. Both sides will tell themselves the’ve done okay. 34 mins: Well worked score for Darren McHale. Mayo will be happy enough if they get to half-time just seven behind. They’ve had chances to make it less than that, all the same. Galway 1-10 Mayo 1-3 Matthew Tierney finds the net for Galway from the penalty sport and suddenly Mayo look like they're in real trouble. 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 Listen @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ECmd6Hyidk pic.twitter.com/oGZlcdDODi 30 mins: Big save for Mayo. Colm Reape gets his hand to a Thmpson shot to put it out for a 45. Mayo need more from their headline acts here - Aidan O’Shea and Ryan O’Donoghue have both made needless mistakes that resulted in turnovers. 28 mins: PENALTY FOR GALWAY! That’s soft enough - given against Mattie Ruane for a pull on Johnny McGrath’s arm. Matthew Tierney couldn’t care less - he buries the spot kick. That’s an eight-point lead and Galway are rampant now. Galway 1-10 Mayo 1-2 26 mins: Mayo haven’t scored since the McHale goal and they cough up possession again as Neary takes the ballinto contact and overcarries. Galway break froward and Sean Kelly kicks a point. They murder the kick-out against and Rob Finnerty does the needful. Galway well on top now. Mayo 1-2 Galway 0-10 23 mins: Galway getting much more joy from the Mayo kick-out now. Cian Darcy won that one and sent Cillian McDaid away. Easy score. Mayo 1-2 Galway 0-8 21 mins: Matthew Thompson kicks Galway’s first one-pointer of the day. Mayo 1-2 Galway 0-7 19 mins: Conroy is doing this on his own 3⃣ x 2⃣ Pointers from FOTY Paul Conroy help @Galway_GAA hit the front against @MayoGAA in the @ConnachtGAA Football Final 🏆 #MAYvGAL pic.twitter.com/PiRcWner61 17 mins: A two-point free from Paul Conroy, which was badly needed. Pádraic Joyce’s side look a bit short on ideas so far, as if they’re waiting for the wind to do the work for them. Mayo 1-2 Galway 0-4 Darren McHale finishes out a wonderful Mayo move to score the opening goal of the game and put his side in front. 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 Listen @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ECmd6Hyidk pic.twitter.com/yphn18RZhr 14 mins: Mayo will be delighted with the opening to this game. They’ve kept possession for long stretches and pinned Galway back. No score from either side for seven minutes here. 7 mins: Huge GOAL for Mayo! Davitt Neary broke through the Galway rearguard to feed Darren McHale. His shot was almost cleared off the line by Johhny McGrath but it finds the net. That’s a massive score against the wind. Mayo 1-2 Galway 0-2 6 mins: That’s the danger for Mayo in playing against the wind. Paul Conroy stroked that over from outside the 45 for a two-pointer. Mayo 0-2 Galway 0-2 5 mins: Ryan O’Donoghue opens the scoring with a handy free after Aidan O’Shea was fouled. And then another after a 4v3 breach by John Maher. Mayo 0-1 Galway 0-0 Mayo manager Kevin McStay and Galway boss Padraic Joyce both offer their pre-match thoughts ahead of the Connacht final.📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 Listen @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/mi3uQQiSgC pic.twitter.com/vOXTyQhZjM Mayo look to have won the toss and chosen to play against the wind in the first half. Not entirely sure why - that’s a huge breeze in Castlebar. Team check from Castlebar. Throw-in four o’clock. MAYO: Colm Reape; Jack Coyne, Donnacha McHugh, Enda Hession; Rory Brickenden, David McBrien, Stephen Coen; Diarmuid O’Connor, Matthew Ruane; Davitt Neary, Darren McHale, Jordan Flynn; Aidan O’Shea, Jack Carney, Ryan O’Donoghue. Subs: Adrian Phillips, Conal Dawson, Conor Reid, Dylan Thornton, Fenton Kelly, Fergal Boland, Frank Irwin, Kevin Quinn, Paddy Durcan, Paul Towey, Sam Callinan. GALWAY: Conor Gleeson; Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn; Dylan McHugh, Sean Mulkerrin, Liam Silke; Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly, Cein Darcy, John Maher, Cillian McDaid; Matthew Tierney, Robert Finnerty, Matthew Thompson. Subs: Conor Flaherty, Daniel Ó Flaherty, Cian Hernon, Kieran Molloy, Cathal Sweeney, John Daly, Sam O’Neill, Liam Ó Conghaile, Tomo Culhane, Colm Costelloe, Peter Cooke. On to the Connacht final. It will surely be a different story, won’t it? Gordon Manning is in Castlebar for us and has sent this over to set the scene... “MacHale Park is filling up nicely on what is a beautiful sunny May afternoon in Castlebar. There has been a decent buzz around the town all morning and already it looks like there will be a big crowd to watch the latest Mayo-Galway showdown. “Four in-a-row chasing Galway enter the game as favourites but there has been one constantly repeated message coming from the local stewards outside and inside the ground today – ‘Mayo won’t win the All-Ireland but we’ll win today.’ “Whether that’s misplaced confidence, wishful thinking or prophetic analysis will become evident over the next few hours. Either way, given the one-sided nature of events transpiring in Killarney let’s hope for a more competitive contest here. “The goalkeepers are on the pitch going through their warm-up, Phil Lynott is singing about Whiskey in the Jar over the PA system, the 2025 Connacht SFC final is just over half an hour away from throw-in.” David Clifford announced as Man of the Match - he scored 2-5 from seven shots. Can’t really argue with that. Here’s Ian O’Riordan’s early verdict from Killarney... “So that’s Munster football title number 86 for Kerry, a fifth in succession, as they eased past Clare 4-20 to 0-21. “Despite Clare winning the second half by four points, four Kerry goals inside the first 26 minutes made absolutely sure this ended as a contest even before half-time. “Two goals by David Clifford in the first six minutes, followed by Micheál Burns on 23 minutes, then Barry Dan O’Sullivan three minutes later, turned it from match to spectacle. “To their credit Clare battled hard in the second half, Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney leading the chase, but it wasn’t enough to impact on Kerry’s overall dominance. Seanie O’Shea also hit two two-pointers, finishing with 0-8, and Clifford scored 2-5.” The second half was a dead duck, as we all presumed it would be. Clare did at least win the second half, as they would have aimed to at the break. But it was over very early and it stayed over. Five Munster titles in a row for Kerry. They will play Roscommon at home in the first round of the Sam Maguire. 64 mins: A quick couple of points from Mark McInerney and Clare move onto 0-19. To be far, they’ve been far mroe energetic in this second half and McInerney has shown fine quality inside. But they’re not at the races at this level. Kerry 4-20 Clare 0-19 60 mins: It’s all just playing out time now. McMahon and Geaney swap frees, as Kerry pass the 30-point mark. David Clifford moves his tally for the day to 2-5 with a point from just inside the arc. Fourteen in it with 10 minutes to go. Kerry 4-19 Clare 0-17 57 mins: Kerry’s kick-passing is such a class apart here. Tony Brosnan and Micheál Burns are peppering passes into full-forward line all day and Clare are getting run ragged by them. Burns picked out Dylan Geaney with a sumptuous one there and he did the needful. Kerry 4-17 Clare 0-16 54 mins: It’s all a bit turgid now but that’s a lovely two-pointer from Clifford to put Kerry 14 clear. Kerry 4-16 Clare 0-14 48 mins: Clifford and O’Shea reply with frees for the home side. Kerry 4-13 Clare 0-13 43 mins: And that’s another two-pointer for McMahon, after the ref brings them forward 50m for Kerry not handing the ball back. Five points in a row for Clare. Kerry 4-11 Clare 0-12 41 mins: A 4v3 rule breach by Kerry gives Emmet McMahon the chance to kick a two-point free for Clare and he duly obliges. Kerry 4-11 Clare 0-10 36 mins: No change on either side and we continue as we were - Dylan Geaney notches his first point of the day for Kerry straight from the throw-in. Kerry 4-11 Clare 0-7 Ian O’Riordan has whipped this account of the first half up the line from Killarney... “Four Kerry goals inside the first 26 minutes made absolutely sure this Munster football final ended as a contest even before half-time, and it could make for an even longer second half from Clare. “Two typically majestic goals by David Clifford in the first six minutes, followed by Micheál Burns on 23 minutes, then Barry Dan O’Sullivan three minutes later, took the life out of whatever fight Clare brough to Killarney to begin with. “Seanie O’Shea also hit two two-pointers, one from a free, one from play, and with Paul Geaney and Tony Brosnan in excellent form, Clare had no way of keeping with the pace. “They did get a soft penalty on 27 minutes, only for Keelan Sexton to blast his shot over the bar, and O’Shea continued to show a welcome return to top form, adding two more frees before the break. “Kerry are cruising in the afternoon sunshine, 4-10 to 0-7, some of the Clare supporters perhaps eyeing the exit gates already.” It’s not even as if the Kerry goals were amazing Clare are frequently killing themselves here Worrying start for Clare as David Clifford bags a goal with this solo run 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/W2h1biiDX4 Barry Dan scores Kerry's fouth goal of the day and we haven't even reached half-time 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/f3AXOm7gkX Half-time: Kerry 4-10 Clare 0-7. Entirely straightforward stuff for Kerry. David Clifford should have a hat-trick - he rattled the crossbar after his early brace. Seanie O’Shea has looked very sharp and the Kerry midfield is rampant. But even by the standards of one-sided Munster finals between these two, Clare have been extremely poor. 32 mins: Paul Geaney cuts inside for a nice score, Seanie O’Shea takes a mark and when it coems to nothing, goes back and kicks the free. That’s a 15-point lead for Kerry with half-time approaching. Mark McInerney coems on the loop for a nice one for Clare in response. Kerry 4-9 Clare 0-7 28 mins: And as if in tribute, that’s desperately sloppy stuff from Kerry at the other end, handing Clare a penalty - which Keelan Sexton drives over the bar! Sexton had been left free inside the boix from a quick Clare free and was tripped in the act of going for goal. But he’s made a mess of the penalty. Kerry 4-7 Clare 0-6 26 mins: GOAL number four for Kerry. Clare haven’t turned up here at all. They had the ball there in their own defence but David Clifford snapped onto a sloppy pass and found Paul Geaney, who and flicked it across to Barry Dan O’Sullivan. Kerry 4-7 Clare 0-5 22 mins: A third GOAl for Kerry. Dylan Geaney finds Burns with the brilliant turn and handpass. It came Clare gave up the kick-out following a fine point from Brian McNamara. Kerry 3-7 Clare 0-5 16 mins: Ah, that’s a killer black card for Clare. Emmet McMahon wrapped his arm around Paul Geaney’s leg in a scramble on the ground - there wasn’t a lot in it but Noel Mooney decided it was a deliberate trip and he’s gone for 10 minutes. Seanie Shea nails the resultant free. Kerry 2-7 Clare 0-4 14 mins: Mark McInerney lands a 45 to settle himself. He actually missed an easier one earlier in the game that would have counted for two points so that’s a bit better. And now Keelan Sexton gets in on the act as well, dancing inside the Kerry cover to whip one of his own. They need loads more of that. Kerry 2-5 Clare 0-4 8 mins: Another GOAL for Kerry. And it’s Clifford again. Micheál Burns was in a mile of space eight yards out and draw a fine save from Eamon Tubridy. But Clifford was on hand to tap home. Referee Noel Mooney went in to ask his umpires whether Clifford might have been in the square but the goal is given. Seanie O’Shea and Paul Geaney follow up with points of their own and this is already a hopeless cause for Clare. Kerry 2-4 Clare 0-1 4 mins: GOAL for Kerry. And who else? David Clifford rolls home his 15th championship goal with a slightly scruffy effort after slaloming around the Clare full-back line. Daniel Walsh fists Clare’s opener at the other end. Kerry 1-2 Clare 0-0 2 mins: Kerry are off the mark with a two-pointer from Seánie O’Shea. So much for Kerry being reluctant to tale those shots on. Kerry 0-2 Clare 0-0 A quick pre-match dispatch from our man in Killarney, Ian O’Riordan... “A day for the sunscreen and watermelon on the terraces at Fitzgerald Stadium, as Kerry play Clare in the Munster championship football final for the third successive year. Kerry won the last two by a combined 21 points. “Both teams will play as selected. Kerry manager Jack O’Connor has made six changes from the Munster semi-final win over Cork, Seán O’Shea set to start his first game for Kerry since February. “Gone are the suspended Paudie Clifford and injured Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy and Graham O’Sullivan, along with Tadhg Morley and Ruairí Murphy. O’Shea starts along with Tony Brosnan, Micheál Burns, Shane Murphy, Tom O’Sullivan and Mike Breen. “Kerry are chasing Munster title number 86, a fifth in succession, Clare’s last success coming against Kerry back in 1992. “It’s the first time Clare manager Peter Keane, the former Kerry manager, will face his native county. A crowd of 15, 514 attended the final in Ennis last year, something less expected today.” Team check for the Munster final, 15 minutes to throw-in. KERRY: Shane Murphy; Dylan Casey, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan; Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Mike Breen, Gavin White; Joe O’Connor, Barry Dan O’Sullivan; Tony Brosnan, Seán O’Shea, Micheál Burns, David Clifford, Paul Geaney, Dylan Geaney. Subs: Seán Coffey, Tadhg Morley, Damien Bourke, Killian Spillane, Ruairi Murphy, Mark O’Shea , Armin Heinrich, Seán O’Brien, Conor Geaney, Evan Looney, Keith Evans. CLARE: Eamon Tubridy; Manus Doherty, Cillian Brennan, Ronan Lanigan; Cillian Rouine, Ikem Ugweuru, Alan Sweeney; Brian McNamara, Daniel Walsh; Aaron Griffin, Emmet McMahon, Dermot Coughlan; Keelan Sexton, Eoin Cleary, Mark McInerney. Subs: Tristan O’Callaghan, Fionn Kelleher, Conor Meaney, Shane Griffin, Gavan Murray, Darragh Burns, Rory McMahon, Evan Cahill, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Cormac Murray, Darren Nagle. the big row over the weekend in Gaelic games was the skorts controversy in yesterday’s camogie Here’s Denis Walsh on a row that was long overdue [ Walsh: Camogie players are right to protest about skorts - it’s scandalous they still need toOpens in new window ] Denis Walsh: Camogie players are right to protest about skorts - it’s scandalous they still need to https://t.co/bOPmpHOTua And as if by magic, here’s your pic of Fitzgerald Stadium in all its gorgeousness. Two games today on the Irish Times GAA liveblog. First up, it’s Kerry v Clare in the Munster final in Killarney - without being too dismissive, it’s likely to be one of those days where the photos of the Reeks off in the distance are as big a draw as the action on the pitch. It throws in at 1.45. The Connacht final at 4pm promises to be much closer fare, with Mayo trying to stave off a Galway four-in-a-row and neither Shane Walsh nor Damien Comer available for the defending champions. We’ll be with you until the last ball is kicked, whatever happens. Denis Walsh: Camogie players are right to protest about skorts - it’s scandalous they still need to https://t.co/bOPmpHOTua Worrying start for Clare as David Clifford bags a goal with this solo run 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/W2h1biiDX4 Barry Dan scores Kerry's fouth goal of the day and we haven't even reached half-time 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/f3AXOm7gkX David Clifford admitted Kerry wanted to blitz Clare early on in the Munster final and it came to pass 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ApD8XaM0f4 pic.twitter.com/Bu8xYFXVka Darren McHale finishes out a wonderful Mayo move to score the opening goal of the game and put his side in front. 📺 Watch @rte2 & @rteplayer📻 Listen @rteradio1📱 Updates https://t.co/ECmd6Hyidk pic.twitter.com/yphn18RZhr 3⃣ x 2⃣ Pointers from FOTY Paul Conroy help @Galway_GAA hit the front against @MayoGAA in the @ConnachtGAA Football Final 🏆 #MAYvGAL pic.twitter.com/PiRcWner61 It's Half Time In Castlebar in the @ConnachtGAA Football Final 🏆@MayoGAA 1-3@Galway_GAA 1-11Watch the highlights 📽️ here #MAYvGAL pic.twitter.com/lOYiij0Jd0 Following Munster’s 47-29 defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles in the Champions Cup quarter-finals here is how we scored Ian Costello’s men from the Stade Chaban-Delmas 15 Thaakir Abrahams: There’s something about South African backs in scrum caps Just looked very threatening whenever he touched the ball and matched that with some sturdy work under the high ball 14 Calvin Nash: Looked to make things happen whenever he touched the ball but couldn’t quite get the breakaway he deserved 13 Tom Farrell: Grew into the game nicely as it went on and consistently made himself available for work through midfield. Felt his growth coincided with Munster’s late fightback too he grew into the game and ended up making a decent impact he nabbed himself a nice try and threw a delicious pass out to Andrew Smith in the build-up to the winger’s first score too while also making some barnstorming late carries to get Munster firing in that final quarter 🟥 Opinion: Munster’s ’embarrassing’ execution not befitting of proud club while Bordeaux’s ‘soft underbelly’ threatens title charge 11 Andrew Smith: A decent shift from the winger especially as he faced the unenviable task of taking on Damian Penaud Carried well when called upon and posted some decent defensive efforts too His two tries in the second-half were special as well 10 Jack Crowley: For all his quality last weekend this just wasn’t his day as he blew incredibly hot and cold he fronted up well in defence with some nice tackles (12/18) and when he got the attack going it looked very slick; but he marred that with a few sloppy errors which were quickly punished by a rampant Bordeaux Probably serves as a metaphor for his side in all honesty 9 Craig Casey: Not a performance he’ll look back at fondly Just couldn’t quite generate the same sort of speed into Munster’s attack that we’ve come to expect from him and he didn’t have his best day from the boot either This was brought under the spotlight following the introduction of Conor Murray too 8 Gavin Coombes: Consistently made big carries to drag Munster over the gainline which is something we’ve come to expect from him of late It seemed whenever Munster needed to get going 🗣️ ‘Impressive’ Leinster might be better than Ireland as Franco Smith concedes Glasgow were ‘completely bullied’ 7 John Hodnett: A brave defensive effort from the flanker 6 Peter O’Mahony: A very quiet outing from the iconic forward He just wasn’t able to properly get a foothold in the contest and therefore make his mark Carried well whenever called upon and matched that with some stern defensive efforts 4 Jean Kleyn: Busy if uninspiring from the Springbok lock 🔢 Jordie Barrett: The ‘absolutely ridiculous’ numbers behind All Blacks star’s performance for Leinster against Glasgow 3 Oli Jager: Looked very solid in the scrum for the most part which will please Paul O’Connell with Ireland potentially needing a new tighthead this summer 2 Diarmuid Barron: Contributed to the efforts in the scrum but came off early into the day through injury 1 Josh Wycherley: Scrummaged well for the most part considering he had 148kg behemoth Ben Tameifuna against him 👀 READ MORE: Edinburgh v Bulls: Five takeaways as ‘shambolic’ first half leaves Springboks too much to do against superb Scots during the Munster senior hurling round robin fixture at Walsh Park on Saturday evening CHAMPIONS Limerick secured the first win of their Munster senior hurling championship round robin campaign with a convincing 0-28 to 0-22 victory over Waterford in front a sun-drenched attendance of 12,101 at Walsh Park on Saturday evening seeking an unprecedented seventh Munster senior hurling title in a row who looked the more likely winners throughout continued to hold the upperhand in the second period recording an impressive six point success in the end READ MORE: WATCH: Live pre-match analysis from Walsh Park as Limerick face Waterford in Munster Hurling Championship There was much to admire in Limerick's display the provincial champions hurling with a much greater degree of fluency and sharpness than they had displayed in their opening outing Limerick also brought a huge energy all over the pitch their huge workrate will no doubt have pleased their management team.  The Shannonsiders' breathless intensity proved too much for a Waterford side which were playing their second championship fixture in the space of six days who was deployed at centre half-back rather than centre half forward for this game turned in a dominant display all through for the winners pace and athleticism to telling effect.  Cian Lynch was awarded the Man of the Match accolade Mike Casey and Shane O'Brien also caught the eye in an impressive team performance.  The Limerick management team will also be pleased by the impressive impact their substitutions made to this important win A significant total of 22 points from the winners tally of 28 points came from open play while 10 different players contributed score for Limerick Opponents Waterford scored 12 points from play over the 70 minutes with 10 of their points coming from placed balls.  Limerick have  now won their last nine championship games against the Deise the Shannonsiders last defeat in the fixture was a one-point loss in the 2011 Munster semi-final WATCH NEXT: WATCH: Limerick manager John Kiely reflects on Munster Championship victory over Waterford Next up for Limerick, who now have three points from their opening two round robin fixtures, is a home fixture against Cork on Sunday, May 18 at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, 4pm. For Saturday evening's trip to the South East, Limerick made two changes to the team that drew with Tipperary in Round 1 as Sean Finn and Dan Morrissey came into the defence in place of Barry Murphy and Colin Coughlan. Opponents Waterford made just one change to the team that defeated Clare six days earlier as Patrick Fitzgerald came into the starting XV in place of Kieran Bennett. That saw a positional switch with Jamie Barron moving from centre-forward to midfield, Stephen Bennett named at centre-forward, and Fitzgerald in the corner. On a perfect evening for a game, Limerick came roaring out of the blocks. It was evident from the throw-in that the Shannonsiders had learned a great deal in the two weeks since their drawn opening round encounter with Tipperary.Limerick were two points to the good inside the opening 90 seconds with scores from Diarmaid Byrnes and Shane O'Brien. The visitors use of possession was hugely impressive as they moved the ball at pace creating overlaps which they utilised to telling effect. Limerick raced 0-7 to 0-2 in front by the 10th minute as points followed from the influential Cian Lynch, Barry Nash, Adam English and the free-running Tom Morrissey. Waterford, six days on from their opening round victory over Clare, were being outplayed, but stayed in the contest, with points from Stephen Bennett, free, and Jack Prendergast on 14 minutes to get within two of their visitors, 0-5 to 0-7. With their confidence levels rising and their gameplan working well, Limerick stretched clear, 0-10 to 0-5, with a run of three unanswered points from Aaron Gillane, two frees, and another from Man of the Match Lynch. Limerick replaced wing back Byrnes, who had earlier picked up a yellow card, with Ballybrown's Colin Coughlan on 19 minutes.The holders camp within a whisker of netting the first goal of the game on the 21st minute when the impressive Shane O'Brien latched onto Tom Morrissey's long delivery. However, the Kilmallock man's blast for a goal came crashing back off an upright before being cleared. Despite the near miss, Limerick pressed on and points from Gillane, free, and Tom Morrissey, who scored three from play in the opening half, had the Shannonsiders 0-12 to 0-6 in front. Limerick's lead was five at the break as Morrissey and Gillane struck over the last two scores of the half after Waterford had closed to within three points after 33 minutes. Limerick were on the wrong side of the free count in the opening half, an aspect of the game which frustrated their travelling support, who felt the home side were finding it easier to be awarded frees.  Waterford started the second half impressively and drew within two points of their rivals, 0-14 to 0-16, after 42 minutes when topscorer Shane Bennett converted a 42nd minute '65. However, it was to be as close as Waterford would get to their opponents as Limerick succeeded in keeping them at arms' length. A run of four scores without reply from Gillane, with two, including a free, English and O'Brien stretched their advantage out to six points after 47 minutes. The tide had turned in the Shannonsiders' favour. You felt it was going to be Limerick's evening for sure in the 54th minute when Gearoid Hegarty landed a terrific score, the savage work rate displayed by three or four Limerick players which forced a crucial turnover in the lead up to the point brought a deafening roar from the visiting supporters in the covered stand. They were roaring their approval. Limerick never looked like being in any danger of losing the contest in the final quarter. SCORERS: Waterford: Stephen Bennett 0-9 (0-6 frees, 2 '65s); Billy Nolan (frees), Mark Fitzgerald, Jamie Barron 0-2 each; Patrick Fitzgerald, Jack Prendergast, Dessie Hutchinson, Kevin Mahony, Mikey Kiely, Shane Bennett, Gavin Fives 0-1 each. Limerick: Aaron Gillane 0-9 (0-6 frees); Shane O’Brien 0-4; Tom Morrissey, Adam English, Cian Lynch 0-3 each; Barry Nash 0-2; Diarmaid Byrnes, Gearoid Hegarty, Aidan O’Connor, Cathal O’Neill 0-1 each. WATERFORD: Billy Nolan; Ian Kenny, Conor Prunty, Iarlaith Daly; Mark Fitzgerald, Tadhg de Burca, Paddy Leavey; Darragh Lyons, Jamie Barron; Jack Prendergast, Stephen Bennett, Patrick Curran; Kevin Mahony, Dessie Hutchinson, Patrick Fitzgerald. Subs: Michael Kiely for Curran (25 mins), Shane Bennett for Fitzgerald (half-time), Gavin Fives for Lyons (45 mins), Padraig Fitzgerald for Mahony (50 mins), Austin Gleeson for Jamie Barron (65 mins). LIMERICK: Nickie Quaid; Sean Finn, Dan Morrissey, Mike Casey; Diarmaid Byrnes, Kyle Hayes, Barry Nash; Adam English, William O'Donoghue; Gearóid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey; Aaron Gillane, Shane O’Brien, David Reidy. Subs: Colin Coughlan for Byrnes (19 mins), Cathal O'Neill for O'Donoghue (49 mins), Aidan O'Connor for Morrissey (60 mins), Darragh O'Donovan for English (65 mins), Donnacha O'Dalaigh for O'Brien (69 mins). David Clifford starred for Kerry in the Munster SFC Final against Clare at Fitzgerald Stadium.  Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Munster Senior Football Championship Final Four first half goals tilted this Munster final irreversibly the way of the defending champions as Kerry wrapped up an 86th provincial with considerably more ease than they might have expected against Clare. Kerry got the start Clare would have desperately wanted, with the Kingdom scoring goals in the fourth and seventh minutes from David Clifford to run up a 2-4 to 0-1 lead by the ninth minute. There really was no way back for Clare at that stage, with manager Peter Keane getting a sharp reminder of how devastating a team Kerry still are, four years after he was manager of his native county. It was a tough return to Killarney for Keane, and equally so for the Clare players who had ran Kerry to seven points in last year’s Munster final in Ennis. Kerry scored the first of 21 scores after just 25 seconds, with Sean O’Shea converting a rare two-point score for the Kingdom. Four minutes later Clifford had the first of his pair of goals when Tony Brosnan played him in and he skipped past three defenders before placing the ball tight inside the post. Three minutes later Clifford struck again, poking the ball in from close-range after Micheal Burns was initially denied in a scrappy build-up in which Clare were at sixes and sevens in defence. Points from O’Shea and Paul Geaney made it 2-4 to 0-1 after nine minutes. Clare responded scores from Aaron Griffin, Mark McInerney (a ‘45’) and Keelan Sexton, but Kerry were relentless and unerring, with Sean O’Shea scoring a two-point free to make it 2-7 to 0-4. A black card for Clare’s Emmet McMahon compounded their woes in the 16th minute and by the time he returned Kerry had added another two goals. Dylan Geaney played a perfect pass across for Burns to collect and tap in, and two minutes later Paul Geaney intercepted a Clare pass, played a one-two with Clifford, and then set up his Dingle club mate Barry Dan O’Sullivan to make it 4-7 to 0-5. In the 27th minute Clare won a penalty from a foul on Keelan Sexton, who drove the spot kick over the bar. It summed up Clare’s lack of cutting edge and efficiency and at half time Kerry were 4-10 to 0-7 ahead. Clare won the second half by four points, but Kerry's focus had shifted further up the summer road by then, It took Kerry 16 seconds to score after the restart, with Dylan Geaney kicking a point, but Clare had the next five points, which included two two-point frees from McMahon. Clifford scored a two-pointer from play in the 54th minute to make it 4-16 to 0-14, and Dylan Geaney restored Kerry’s 15-point lead, but the final quarter was just to be endured and played out. Clare rallied with late scores from Manus Doherty, McInerney and McMahon, but it all finished as expected: Kerry successfully defending their Munster title, and Clare with plenty to consider ahead of their All-Ireland series starts in a fortnight. Scorers for Kerry: D Clifford 2-5 (2p, 1f) S O’Shea 0-8 (1 2p, 1 2pf, 2f), B D O’Sullivan 1-1, P Geaney 0-4 (1f), M Burns 1-0, D Geaney 0-2 Scorers for Clare: E McMahon 0-8 (2 2pf, 3f), M McInerney 0-6 (2f, 1 ‘45’), B McNamara 0-2, K Sexton 0-2 (1 pen), D Walsh 0-1, A Griffin 0-1, M Doherty 0-1 Kerry: Shane Murphy, Dylan Casey, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan, Brian Ó Beaglaoich, Mike Breen, Gavin White, Joe O’Connor, Barry ‘Dan’ O’Sullivan, Tony Brosnan, Seán O’Shea, Micheál Burns, David Clifford, Paul Geaney, Dylan Geaney (Dingle). Subs: Tadhg Morley for J Foley (temp, 27-32), Killian Spillane for S O’Shea (52), RuairiMurphy 5 for T Brosnan (52), T Morley for M Breen (54), Mark O’Shea for B D O’Sullivan (56), Keith Evans for M Burns (58), Evan Looney for B Ó Beaglaoich (temp, 64-ft). Clare: Eamon Tubridy, Manus Doherty, Cillian Brennan, Ronan Lanigan, Cillian Rouine, Ikem Ugwueru, Alan Sweeney; Brian McNamara, Daniel Walsh; Aaron Griffin, Emmet McMahon, Dermot Coughlan, Keelan Sexton; Eoin Cleary, Mark McInerney Subs: Conor Meaney for A Sweeney (54), Shane Griffin for D Walsh (54), Evan Cahill for K Sexton (58), Rory McMahon for C Rouine (63), Darragh Burns for E Cleary (67) GAA.ie Footballer of the Week nominees26 minutes ago One week removed from a transcendent experience that had fans packed into a time machine and teleported to the mid 2000s, Munster Rugby travels to France once again for gargantuan Investec Champions Cup knockout fixture. On the schedule this week is a date with one of rugby’s true Galacticos in Top 14, dazzler Union Bordeaux-Begles. This season’s regular-season table toppers will be itching to right the wrongs of last season, when they let slip a golden opportunity to progress to the semifinals.  Hosting Harlequins in what resembled more of an NBA fixture, Bordeaux slipped up 42-41, before getting crushed in the Top 14 final by Toulouse. Now entering a place where a title this season is non-negotiable, Bordeaux will be all too aware of the threats their Irish visitors pose. Munster has made two changes to the side that defeated La Rochelle in last weekend’s Round of 16 clash. Tadhg Beirne continues in his role of captain a week after completing the turnover that sealed the win for his side. Josh Wycherley replaces the injured Jeremy Loughman at loosehead, while Alex Nankivell returns after a successful appeal against his two-match ban to replace Sean O’Brien at inside center. A major milestone awaits Stephen Archer, who is named among the replacements and set to make his 300th Munster appearance, nearly 16 years after his debut in 2009. The back three of Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Andrew Smith remains unchanged, with Nankivell partnering Tom Farrell making his 21st consecutive start in midfield. Craig Casey and Jack Crowley, fresh off a two-year contract extension, continue at halfback. Wycherley joins Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager in the front row, with Jean Kleyn and Beirne locking down the second row. Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes complete the pack. The bench includes Niall Scannell, Mark Donnelly, Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Conor Murray and Seán O’Brien. Donnelly is poised for his first Champions Cup appearance since 2021, following strong club form with Cork Constitution. Headlining the changes for the hosts, who opted to rest several key players against Ulster last weekend, is Six Nations player of the tournament Louis Bielle-BIarrey. Slotting back onto the left wing, the gifted finisher forms a lethal back three alongside Damian Penaud and Jon Echegaray. In the centers, South African Rohan Janse van Rensburg replaces former Wallaby Ben Tapuai in the No. 12 shirt to partner Yoram Moefana. Reverting back to their preferred halfback partnership, Matthieu Jalibert slots in alongside Maxime Lucu, with former Munster fly-half Joey Carbery dropping out of the matchday 23. In the pack, Argentinean star Guido Petti continues in the back row alongside Mahamadou Diaby and Pete Samu. Powering through the engine room, Tongan international Adam Coleman is partnered with Cyril Cazeaux.  Completing the pack are the formidable trio of Ben Tameifuna, Maxime Lamothe and Jefferson Poirot. Key MatchupLittered with quality across the park ensuring that there will be several key individual battles Front and center of this matchup will be two world-class fly-halves who have endured mixed runs at international level of late Staking claim to back-to-back man-of-the-match awards Crowley has been in red-hot form since returning from the Irish international setup Nailing a key drop goal that proved to be the difference last week the ice-cold operator is a true match-winner Facing Crowley is a mercurial talent in Jalibert who is capable of the brilliant and the bizarre in equal measures there is a real argument for him being the best playmaker in the game with Jalbiert making 39 carries and three line breaks 12 defenders beaten,184 meters made and a try.  Crowley’s stat line also is impressive with 31 carries seven defenders beaten and 144 meters made Where the two players vary greatly is in their touches of the ball with Crowley getting on the ball 207 (five matches) times to Jaliberts 129 (four matches) This works out at the Munster playmaker getting on the ball on average nine times more per match The biggest separator between the two sides where the Munster star is significantly ahead of his opposite number Completing 79% of his tackles (42 made) to Jalbiert’s 62% (21 made) the Irishman no doubt will direct his powerhouse carriers down Jalbiert’s channel Munster cannot afford to allow Jalbiert any time or space not getting in the passing channels and allowing Bordeaux to get quick ruck ball will ensure a long day at the office Bordeaux will know that if they let Crowley get his hands on the ball he will find gaps for those around him.  sides are quickly learning that they will get little to no joy out of Crowley This could force Bordeaux to go aerial more often than we have grown accustomed to seeing Partnering both players are top-notch scrumhalves with Munster’s Craig Casey quickly closing the gap on Leinster star Jamison Gibson-Park for the Irish No an injury to Antoine Dupont ensured that he was the first choice to close out the Six Nations Dupont will be the first choice for years to come a strong run is key to holding off fellow contenders such as Nolann Le Gerrac and Baptiste Serin for the backup role An argument could be made that this writer is wrapped up in the nostalgia and romance of a Munster run to the semifinal Showing fallibilities in the last-16 clash against an Ulster side that is a rung or two below Munster at the present moment Bordeaux laid out a map for Munster to follow in terms of disrupting the flow the battle of the breakdown will be crucial By stunting Bordeaux’s ability to dictate terms Munster will be able to set defensively and close out the prospect of Bordeaux’s danger men out wide the argument for Bordeaux's more straightforward path to victory is undeniable and Munster is a notch down from the intensity of a week ago Bordeaux’s ability to strike from anywhere on the pitch will come to the fore Bordeaux wing pairing of Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey could flip this contest at a moment's notice making Munster’s gameplan to keep them out of the fixture non-negotiable We are sticking with gut feel and the sneaking suspicion that Munster is on a run similar to the one the team enjoyed two seasons ago en route to the URC title We are backing the underdogs - Munster by 6 FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.  Get the most important Rugby stories delivered straight to your inbox Barry 'Dan' O'Sullivan and Ruairí Murphy of Kerry contest a loose ball with Ronan Lanigan of Clare during the Munster SFC final at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney If the Munster championship isn’t a dead duck yet it certainly is a lame one At the start of the week Jack O'Connor suggested the Munster championship was not the “dead duck” most people believe it is On Sunday the Kerry manager – with metaphorical shotgun in hand – sent his players out like a team of water spaniels with little left of Clare but a cloud of feathers after the defending champions feasted on the carcass of a beleaguered Banner side LifestyleKillarney man who founded Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle says success of event was ‘meant to be’ Forty three years ago a Killarney man took it upon himself to organise an event that would pose a challenge to even the fittest individuals in Kerry and raise money for worthy causes in the county Kerry go to Cork tonight in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship There’s a 7 o’clock throw-in for the Quarter-Final tie at Páirc Uí Rinn Sign up now to keep up to date with the latest news please check your email to confirm your subscription Kerry minor team captain Gearóid White scored seven points in his team's 10-point win over Cork in the Munster MFC quarter-final MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL LifestyleKillarney man who founded Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle says success of event was ‘meant to be’ Forty three years ago a Killarney man took it upon himself to organise an event that would pose a challenge to even the fittest individuals in Kerry and raise money for worthy causes in the county. more podcast - gaa articles Kerry will face Clare and Cork play Tipperary You have accepted push notifications for this content. If you would like to manage your push notification preferences, you can do so here A dramatic last minute converted try saw Leinster snatch a 26-23 bonus point victory at Ballinakill (Waterpark RFC) in the second round of games in the Junior Interprovincial Championship It was Munster who made a great start with two penalties from Shane Airey and a conversion of a try by Old Christians Laszio Rabatin (Old Christians) to lead 13-0 Approaching half time Leinster got over the Munster line twice to trail 13-12 at half time A try by skipper Kevin Kinane which Airey converted five minutes into the second half put Munster 20-12 ahead but an Airey penalty made it 14-19 in favour of the home side but then came that late winner for the visitors Munster: Ben Daly (Waterpark); Brian P O’Sullivan (Kanturk) Frank Horgan (Muskerry); Shane Airey (Newcastle Wet) Aaron Rice (Newcastle West); Nigel Clancy (Richmond) Dave Jennings (Clonakilty); Ruairí O’Donnell (St Jack Lonergan (Old Christians); Sonny Dwyer (Thurles) Replacements: Ricky Whitney (Kilfeacle),Rob Loftus (Sunday’s Well) Stephen Hendy (Gorey); Scott Caldbeck (Tullow) Jake Caldbeck (Kilkenny); Dylan Lynch (Boyne) Matt McKenna (Seapoint RFC) Cormac Hurley (Seapoint) Team News | Bank Of Ireland Munster Junior Cup Final Report | Coomber Kick Crowns Con As Junior Cup Champions Head Coach Scott Bemand has named his Ireland Match Day Squad for Sunday's Guinness Women's Six Nations clash against Italy in Parma.. David Clifford of Kerry scores his side's first goal during the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Clare at Fitzgerald Stadium Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile A really solid display from the deputising Murphy Had an early save to make from Eoin Cleary but Murphy was potentially unsighted and got down really well Had another save in the second half from Keelan Sexton Munster have confirmed Performance Consultant Chris Boyd has left the province after completing his short-term contract The New Zealander joined five months ago having previously been Director of Rugby with the Northampton Saints Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray will return to training this week ahead of a meeting with Ulster on Friday Caelan Doris' participation in this summer's Lions Tour to Australia is now in doubt as he is set to undergo shoulder surgery this week The Leinster back row picked up the injury in Saturday's loss to Northampton in the Champions Cup It's not yet known how long Doris will be out This is usually the time of the year when we puff out our chests and look disdainfully to the south as Ulster gears up for another blockbuster offering after weeks of tearing lumps off each other. Ulster, we would gleefully tell anybody who listens, is the only province worth its salt. The last man standing. The only remaining sliver of sense in any argument against ditching the provincial structure altogether. Connacht will rightfully take exception to such utterings, pointing to ding-dongs involving Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. But the other two? Come on. For so long, they’d have been best off saying nothing as Dublin and Kerry sashayed into the All-Ireland stages having barely broken sweat on the way to mooted cheers when silverware was sheepishly held aloft. Heading to Portlaoise last weekend, Dublin had their sights set on lifting the Delaney Cup for a remarkable 15th time in succession, and claiming Leinster title number 63. Meath, their closest rivals on that list, have 21. Yet the Royal rising under Robbie Brennan enjoyed a landmark afternoon at O’Moore Park, romping into a huge lead before holding off Dessie Farrell’s side to inflict a first provincial defeat in 44 games. It says something of the scale of the Dubs’ domination that victory for the once-mighty Meath was met with the kind of shock – and no shortage of patronisation – normally reserved for more traditional feats of Championship giant-killing. Still, it has changed the mood in Leinster, a needly final pairing of Meath and Louth threatening to breathe new life into what was once Gaelic football’s ultimate one-horse race. Munster may not have reached quite that level of predictability but, since Cork’s 2010 All-Ireland triumph, and outside of Tipperary’s incredible exploits a decade later, it has largely fallen off a cliff in terms of competitiveness. The Rebels unseated Kerry during a Covid Championship that took on a life of its own, opening the door for David Power’s Tipp to bridge an 85-year gap since last lifting the Munster Cup. But that was very much the exception rather than the rule as the Kingdom eased to 11 of the last 12 provincial titles. At their Killarney powerbase on Sunday, they are heavily fancied to add another when Division Three Clare head for Fitzgerald Stadium. It is a trip Peter Keane knows all too well, having overseen the magisterial minor career of David Clifford, Sean O’Shea et al before ambitions to transfer that success to senior level fell short of past achievements. He will be under no illusions as to the extent of the sporting and psychological challenge ahead, with the rest of Munster for so long cast in Kerry’s considerable shadow. It will be the third year in-a-row Kerry and Clare have met in the final, the 14 point gap in 2023 cut to seven 12 months ago. But if you have come here looking for any more compelling arguments about how the Banner might pull off the biggest upset of the summer (it’s May now, we can get away with that), you have come to the wrong place. Already, the management teams of Monaghan and Down are sure to be sizing Clare up ahead of expected Group Three meetings once the All-Ireland series commences. They would be foolish not to. Having figured out how to get the best from the new rules, Jack O’Connor’s men looked imperious at times as the League wore on and the Division One crown was captured. But Cork, rumbling around the lower reaches of Division Two while Clare just missed out on promotion to the second tier, provided a shaft of light at Páirc Uí Chaoimh a fortnight ago. Just as the Royals rumbled Dublin, Cork came mighty close to sending their beloved neighbours through the trapdoor – taking Kerry to extra-time where Joe O’Connor’s goal eventually saw the status quo preserved. But the Kingdom will be without the inspirational Paudie Clifford for Sunday’s decider, after he saw red against the Rebels. Thea returning O’Shea will try to blow off the cobwebs in his first start since sustaining a knee injury in February – one of six changes from the Cork game, with goalkeeper Shane Ryan, Paul Murphy, Graham O’Sullivan, Tadhg Morley and Ruairí Murphy all making way, while O’Shea, Tony Brosnan, Micheál Burns, Shane Murphy, Tom O’Sullivan and Mike Breen come in. Clare beat Tipperary to get here, and welcome back Ikem Ugwueru at centre-back and Daniel Walsh in midfield. Provincial Championships previously on life support have received a boost in recent weeks, but the pulse is unlikely to quicken this weekend. Kerry: S Murphy; D Casey, J Foley, T O’Sullivan; B Ó Beaglaoich, M Breen, G White; J O’Connor, B O’Sullivan; T Brosnan, S O’Shea, M Burns; D Clifford, P Geaney. D Geaney Clare: E Tubridy; R Lanigan, C Brennan, M Doherty; C Rouine, I Ugwueru, A Sweeney; B McNamara, D Walsh; A Griffin, E McMahon, D Coughlan; K Sexton, E Cleary, M McInerney Facebook pageTwitter feedRSS feed@2025 The Irish News Ltd BOX TICKED: Kerry stand for the National Anthem said the “exhilarating” nature of the recent Cork-Kerry semi-final was “a badly needed boost” for the often maligned and too often non-competitive Munster football championship There was nothing remotely exhilarating about this Munster final Served up instead was apathy and another Kerry annihilation The crowd of 13,181 was the smallest in living memory for a provincial decider at Fitzgerald Stadium The Kerry majority within that number couldn’t even be bothered to encroach the pitch afterwards And fully understandable was their post-match muteness Equally so was the understated behaviour of their players on the field Munster final Sunday has become no more than a box-ticking exercise for all in the green and gold corner This latest Sunday was the fourth time in the last five years where their margin of victory on the concluding day of provincial business sat in double digits Has a five-in-a-row ever been so comfortably achieved After Clare had the temerity to come within seven last May they and their former Kerry boss were duly whipped here at times in the opening half when the gap ran to 15 points and threatened to run out of control The Kerry and Clare players march behind the Millstreet Pipe Band in the parade before the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.No surprise sprung by Peter Keane against his own or anyone else from back home for that matter His knowledge of local weaknesses from his three years at the helm did not lead to any exploitation of such such was the utter one-sidedness that the absence of the injured Shane Ryan and suspended Paudie Clifford was neither lamented nor felt There was ample breathing space to hand championship debuts Among those drafted in for the aforementioned missing quintet was a first championship start since 2021 for Micheál Burns He finished a first-half goal and finished the first half itself by preventing an Eoin Cleary goal at the far end Seán O’Shea started his first game since the League defeat to Dublin on February 15 he’d kicked only Kerry’s second two-pointer in five games “Seánie has had a frustrating time with a knee issue but it just shows the reservoir of fitness he’s built up because he doesn't have a huge amount done I was amazed he was going as well as he was for fifty minutes but he's a great lad and got a great attitude,” said Jack Kerry’s so-called problem department in the middle of the field looked no problem at all Barry Dan pinched 1-1 and pulled down kickouts Joe O’Connor again broke restarts and broke perfectly-timed onto attacks Because there is so little of a contest to reflect upon let’s instead focus on the reality ahead for the Kingdom Unless Cork unsettle them for a second time at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the June Bank Holiday weekend Kerry will once again land into the last eight of the championship significantly less examined than their fellow Sam Maguire frontrunners the best way to keep fellas’ feet on the ground; there were four or five fellas who missed out today if a fella thinks his arse is going to be on the seat The reverse of that is the fellas who missed yesterday must have been getting anxious in the stand at how they were going to dislodge teammates from a side that kept Clare to five points in the opening 26 minutes Suspense had been unforgivingly removed by the sixth minute Tony Brosnan and Tom O’Sullivan with the risk-reward passes Keelan Sexton blazed over a first-half penalty They converted only five of 13 first-half scoring opportunities from play Emmet McMahon committed a stupid black card foul on 16 minutes after Paul Geaney had been stripped of possession O’Shea kicked his second two-pointer and Kerry enjoyed numerical advantage for the ensuing 10 minutes It was a 10-minute period where Kerry doubled their goal count through Burns and Barry Dan more clare gaa articles LIKE CLOCKWORK: The use of the public clock in televised inter-county Gaelic football matches has been called into question following several freezes during the live broadcasts of Sunday’s Connacht and Munster football finals. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Several inaccuracies were provided to RTÉ viewers from both Mayo-Galway and Kerry-Clare games in Hastings Insurance McHale Park and Fitzgerald Stadium the clock was stopped on at least three occasions while action continued Including one stoppage that lasted one minute and 39 seconds towards the end of the first half and two further halts in the second half the second of which was 1:23 in duration the clock froze for three minutes and 33 seconds The incidents in the transmission of the game in Killarney weren’t as significant although there were at least two periods when the clock didn’t move as the ball was in play The clocks used at the venues and by the broadcasters are not synchronised and it is understood a lack of clarity around referees’s communications of “time off” and “time on” to the clock official who controls the stop clock have created difficulties for the likes of RTÉ TG4 and even the GAA’s own streaming service GAA+ Their respective on-site production teams have to interpret such signals and in some of their broadcasts the clock as shown in the top left corner is stopped to allow it to sync up with the one in the grounds the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) advised Central Council that updates were urgently required to avoid discrepancies between the clocks “We feel it is also essential that modifications are made to existing clocks to allow for TV Broadcast synchronisation (i.e to ensure the same time is being displayed on the clock in the grounds as on TV).” The use of the public clock and hooter had been a major concern for the GAA’s media broadcasters Nemeton’s head of sport Maidchí Ó Súilleabháin warned of the challenges of synchronising the two timekeeping systems “The referee will stop the clock for injuries but the broadcast team will rely on a visual cue from the referee to manually stop or restart their clock,” he said “Any delay or miscommunication could lead to a mismatch between the TV and on-field clocks This dependence on physical signals from the referee highlights a potential flaw in the system making accurate synchronisation a logistical hurdle for broadcasters.” The inaccuracy of what was presented on TV on Sunday was in contrast to an Armagh-Tyrone Division 1 football game in Box-It Athletic Grounds in February when the scoreboard lost power and players management and those in attendance were not aware of what time was remaining The clock/hooter is set to apply to this weekend’s Leinster and Ulster SFC finals but will feature in only one of the eight Tailteann Cup games the Westmeath-Antrim Group 3 game in Mullingar The timing of the other seven will be controlled by the referee in question two of the four Group 1 games as chosen for streaming by GAA+ will be subject to the public clock and the other two under the remit of the referee The Galway v Dublin Group 4 and Kerry v Roscommon Group 2 matches are expected to be selected the other two games being Mayo v Cavan (Group 1) and Clare v Down (Group 3) That distinction between televised/streamed games and those not shown live follows a Central Council decision on foot of a recommendation by the CCCC that the clock/hooter only be used for televised or streamed games The rationale behind the call was a financial and logistical one as the CCCC estimated an initial cost of €250,000 to fit the required technology in each championship venue so as to ensure “the risk of reputational damage/system failure is mitigated “It is unfortunate,” said Football Review Committee (FRC) chairman Jim Gavin whose body recommended the technology be introduced to Gaelic football this year and claimed in March that it was having an “overwhelmingly positive impact” we'd like to see it everywhere.” Last month the Kildare-Westmeath Leinster quarter-final in Newbridge was subject to the stop clock as it was streamed on GAA+ The following day’s provincial clash between Louth and Laois at the same venue wasn’t as it wasn’t being screened The clock/hooter has been a headache for the CCCC who in March convinced Central Council to allow play to continue following the sounding of the hooter until the ball goes dead the amendment came into force into Division 1 and 2 for the final two rounds of the Allianz League but it has led to confusing situations for some players the most high profile incidents involving Cavan’s Dara McVeety and Louth’s Craig Lennon David Clifford scored 2-5 for Kerry in the Munster SFC final against Clare. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Post-match: David Clifford is named RTÉ's man of the match "We feel that Cork game (in the Munster semi-final) is going to stand to us massively," Clifford says We felt maybe that they wouldn't have experienced that pace." Kerry have a goal chance through Tadhg Morley but it's blocked on the line Clare then have a goal chance but Iken Ugwueru blasts it wide Noel Mooney was playing an advantage however Emmet McMahon kicks over the free to end the game That may be of some consolation to Peter Keane That's a fifth consecutive Munster title for Kerry.  69 mins: Emmet McMahon kicks a point from outside the arc Éamonn Fitzmaurice says on commentary that as a Kerry player touched the ball in flight 68 mins: Wide there from Keith Evans for Kerry after he did so well to work the space to get a shot off.  64 mins: Evan Looney comes on for Kerry in place of Brian Ó Beaglaoich He then adds a lovely score from just inside the arc.  63 mins: A change for Clare with Cillian Rouine going off and Rory McMahon coming on.  62 mins: Brian Ó Beaglaoich bursts forward for Kerry The ball falls for David Clifford who takes his tally to 2-5 for the game Paul Geaney then adds another from play for Kerry after another surge forward for Ó Beaglaoich 60 mins: Killian Spillane is fouled and Paul Geaney knocks over the free That three points for the Dingle man today.  59 mins: Free for Clare is converted by Mark McInerney Keith Evans from Keel is on for Micheál Burns The Dr Crokes man has had an excellent game Evan Cahill is on for Clare in place on Keelan Sexton Connor Meaney and Shane Griffin came on for Alan Sweeney and Daniel Walsh earlier.  Manus Doherty ventures forward from corner-back but he blazes a shot over the bar Mark McInerney quickly adds another point.  Dr Crokes' Mark O'Shea is on for Barry Dan O'Sullivan.  56 mins: Burns finds Dylan Geaney with a lovely incisive pass 54 mins: Super two-pointer from David Clifford Concerns about Kerry's ability to kick scores from outside the arc will have been allayed today 53 mins: Emmet McMahon takes his tally to 0-6 from a free 52 mins: That's 2-2 now for David Clifford Seanie O'Shea and Tony Brosnan go off for Kerry Ruairí Murphy and Killian Spillane are on.  49 mins: Emmet McMahon kicks another super score 46 mins: David Clifford kicks a free taking his tally for the game to 2-1 Sean O'Shea adds another a minute later.  43 mins: Kerry in breach of another new rule for not handing the ball back to an opposition player Emmet McMahon brings it out for two-pointer and he converts it again 41 mins: Kerry were in breach of the 4v3 rule Emmet McMahon kicks a two-pointer from the free Brian McNamara gets a shot away for his second point of the game.  Kerry's Dylan Geaney swiftly gets his first score of the game.  35 mins: Clare end the half on the attack but can't get a score 34 mins: Nice pass from Seanie O'Shea to David Clifford Jason Foley came back on for Kerry a few moments ago.  34 mins: Lovely catch from Emmet McMahon and Mark McInerney gets a score for Clare 32 mins: Tom O'Sullivan sprays a lovely ball into Seanie O'Shea in the full-forward line O'Shea wins the mark and kicks the point.  30 mins: Paul Geaney gets his second point of the game.  Change for Kerry with Tadhg Morley coming on for Jason Foley Emmet McMahon is back on for Clare after his 10 minutes in the sin bin.  26 mins: Kerry now have their fourth goal of the game Kerry turnover Clare coming out of defence A diving Barry Dan O'Sullivan palms the ball to the net.  24 mins: David Clifford rattles the crossbar That should have been Kerry's fourth goal.  Micheál Burns finds the net for Kerry's third goal of the game Dylan Geaney nicely set it up for the Dr Crokes man 22 mins: Brian McNamara gets his first championship point 20 mins: Aaron Griffin kicks Clare's fourth wide Emmet McMahon punished for what appears to have been a trip That's one of Clare's key forwards gone for 10 minutes Seanie O'Shea kicks a two-pointer from the free who have not kicked many two-pointers to far this year Keelan Sexton manoeuvres into space and kicks over a right-footed shot.  14 mins: Better play from Clare and Cillian Rouine gets forward from half-back Mark McInerney converts the placed ball for his first score of the game.  12 mins: Clare have their second score of the game through Aaron Griffin Kerry midfielder Barry Dan O'Sullivan quickly responds.  11 mins: Eoin Cleary gets a shot on goal away but Kerry keeper Shane Murphy gets down to stop it.  9 mins: Tony Brosnan finds Paul Geaney in loads of space and he knocks over his first score of the game.  Eamonn Tubridy did well to save Micheál Burns's shot but Clifford was there to turn in the rebound The Kenmare man did very well to dispossess the Clare keeper for that score.  5 mins: Daniel Walsh finds space inside the Kerry defence and fists the ball over the bar.  The Fossa man caught a superb long ball in took on his man and found the bottom corner.  3 mins: Aaron Griffin bursts through the Kerry defence but his shot also goes wide.  2 mins: Mark McInerney doesn't catch a free off the ground quite right and it goes wide.  1 mins: Seanie O'Shea opens the scoring for Kerry with a two-pointer 0 mins: Cavan referee Noel Mooney throws in the ball and they are underway at Fitzgerald Stadium.  1:37pm: 108 years ago, having lost the two previous finals, Clare beat Cork to win the Munster decider. Having lost the last two finals, Clare will be hoping history repeats itself today. Christy O'Connor gave us a history lesson this week 1:33pm: Joe O'Connor was superb for Kerry in their semi-final victory over Cork. Eoghan Cormican profiled the midfielder ahead of the Munster final.  1:30pm: One of the most intriguing storylines about this game is former Kerry manager Peter Keane now being in charge of Clare.  Ikem Ugwueru comes in at centre-back and Daniel Walsh in midfield in place of Fionn Kelleher and Ciarán Downes.  David Clifford scored two first half goals and a two-pointer as Kerry defeated Clare in the Munster SFC final said the “exhilarating” nature of the recent Cork-Kerry semi-final was “a badly needed boost” for the often maligned and often non-competitive Munster football championship Already a subscriber? Sign in TEAM NAMED: Seán O’Shea is due to start his first game for Kerry since February as Jack O’Connor makes six changes for Sunday’s Munster SFC final against Clare in Killarney. Pic:  Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Suspended Paudie Clifford and injured Shane Ryan (knee) Paul Murphy (calf) and Graham O’Sullivan (groin) as well as Tadhg Morley and Ruairí Murphy are replaced by O’Shea