Limerick 2-12 Clare 2-9: It took a 54th-minute goal from substitute Jason O'Brien to tip the scales in Limerick's favour at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday.

Limerick, who scored a third-minute goal through a Michael Reidy penalty, were in for a rude awakening as Clare threatened to end their unbeaten run.

Marginally ahead by 1-3 to 0-5 by the 23rd minute, Limerick were rocked when Niall Considine scored a goal to give his side the initiative and Clare led by 1-7 to 1-4 at the break.

Michael Crowley and Pat Ahern got the home side back on track immediately after the interval but Clare were not yet for turning and Ronan Slattery had them in the lead again.

Damien and Michael Reidy and Crowley turned it the other way, and when Damien Reidy set up O'Brien for their second goal, Limerick looked to be on their way to victory at 2-9 to 1-8.

O'Brien, Michael Reidy and Seanie Buckley made it more comfortable for the home side but Frank O'Dea signalled a Clare revival with a point. And when Considine scored a second Clare goal on 66 minutes, it seemed like it would go down to the wire.

Clare kept the momentum going and O'Dea was denied a late equaliser when Johnny McCarthy blocked down his shot.

LIMERICK: S Kiely; S Gallagher, J McCarthy, P Browne; C Mullane, D Reidy (0-2), S Lavin; J Galvin (0-1), J Stokes; P Ahern (0-1), T Carroll, S Buckley (0-1); M Crowley (0-2), J Murphy (0-1), M Reidy (1-3, 1-2 frees). Subs: J O'Brien (1-1) for Murphy (32 mins), A Lane for Carroll (45 mins), J O'Connell for Buckley (62 mins), E Ryan for Stokes (65 mins).

CLARE: D O'Brien; G Tubridy, C Whelan, P Gallagher; G Kelly, K Dilleen, R Slattery (0-1); G Quinlan (0-1), F O'Dea (0-1); M O'Shea, A Clohessy (0-4, two frees), D Hedigan; L Healy, D Russell, R Donnelly (0-1). Subs: N Considine (2-1) for Healy (20 mins), M. Whelan for O'Shea (55 mins), D Blake for Slattery (62 mins).

Referee: D Cahill (Tipperary)