ÉIRE ÓG GO THAT EXTRA 'MILE'

Clare champs rally to reach provincial decider

- BY STEPHEN BARRY

ÉIRE Óg Ennis made it back to the Munster hurling final for the first time in 35 years as their closing 1-5 burst burned off Loughmore-Castleiney.

The Clare champions needed a late leveller to bring yesterday's semifinal to extra-time, but they dominated the last 10 minutes to secure a final berth against Ballygunner.

Having been subbed back on for that final stretch, Darren Moroney netted the 77th-minute clinching goal to put an end to Loughmore's resistance after a titanic tussle which was level 13 times.

"It was an incredible arm wrestle, and the most physical game of hurling I've ever seen in all my life. It was just savage," said Éire Óg manager Gerry O'Connor.

Russell contributed 1-14 for the Townies, while Hurler of the Year John McGrath nailed 0-12 for Loughmore. However, the Tipperary team had too many missed chances across the second half when the game looked in their hands.

They still could've won it, but Russell drilled a last-gasp free into the wind from the sideline to force the extra 20 minutes.