Killian Doyle seen here in action against Galway last month was Westmeath's top scorer yesterday against Clare.

Clare too strong for Westmeath in Ennis

Published: Mon 6 Feb 2023, 10:54 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Feb 2023, 11:15 AM

Clare 4-27 Westmeath 0-14

Clare had their expected facile win over Westmeath in yesterday's National Hurling League Division 1A first round robin clash in front of over 3,500 spectators in pleasant conditions in Ennis.

The underdogs gave as good as they got in the opening 26 minutes, at the end of which they trailed by just 0-9 to 0-5. Indeed, had Niall O'Brien not been denied by a great save from Eibhear Quilligan in the 16th minute, Westmeath would have been on level terms at that juncture.

However, Clare pounced for two clinically-taken goals before the break, both from the stick of Mark Rodgers in the 27th and 33rd minutes respectively, and they led by 2-10 to 0-7 at the break.

Westmeath were wasteful at the start of the second half, with just a superb sideline cut from Jack Galvin to show for their efforts.

The Banner County men soon took complete control and were able to empty their bench. They already led by 2-19 to 0-9 when Ian Galvin finished off a great move for their third goal in the 50th minute.

A succession of points ensued before sub Aaron Shanagher scored their fourth goal with two minutes of normal time remaining. Davy Glennon's point with the last puck of a one-sided game was a mere consolation score for Joe Fortune's troops.

See this week's Westmeath Examiner and Westmeath Independent for full coverage on the match.

Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Conor Cleary, Séadna Morey (0-1); Diarmuid Ryan (0-1), David McInerney, Brandon O'Connell (0-1); Cathal Malone, Jack Kirwan; David Fitzgerald (0-3), Davie Conroy (0-5), Ian Galvin (1-3); Mark Rodgers (2-2), Peter Duggan, Aidan McCarthy (0-10, 4f). Subs: Gearid O'Grady (0-1) for Rodgers (48), Cian Nolan for Hogan (50), Cian Galvin for Ryan (55), Keith Smyth for Duggan (58), Aaron Shanagher (1-0) for I Galvin (61).

Westmeath: Noel Conaty; Darragh Egerton, Conor Shaw, Jack Galvin (0-1, s/l); Aaron Craig, Tommy Doyle, Kevin Regan; Shane McGovern, Robbie Greville (0-1); Joey Boyle (0-1), Niall O'Brien, Shane Clavin; Eoin McCabe, Killian Doyle (0-8, 4f, 1'65'), Davy Glennon (0-1). Subs: Eoin Keyes for Clavin (h-t), Ciaran Doyle (0-2) for McCabe (47), Johnny Bermingham for Shaw (52), Mark Cunningham for McGovern (52), Jack Gillen for O'Brien (61).

Ref: Paud O'Dwyer (Carlow).