NOT TAKING IT BRIAN DOWN

Lohan's lads sign off with victory over Treaty men

- BY STEPHEN BARRY

BRIAN LOHAN was glad to sign off on a luckless All-Ireland defence with victory as Ryan Taylor's second-half goals at the Gaelic Grounds saw Clare past Limerick.

Mark Rodgers' 1-8 inside 46 minutes put the Banner in a winning position before Taylor raced forward to net a brace in front of 32,133 fans.

Regardless of their flat display in this dead-rubber, the Treaty men will host Cork in the Munster final next Saturday week.

Clare must lick their wounds and wait for next year.

They were hampered by injuries from the outset of their title defence.

Hurler of the Year Shane O'Donnell made a long-awaited first start of 2025 and was fouled for five of Rodgers' pointed frees.

Diarmuid Ryan had his first appearance of the year off the bench. His first touch was to release Taylor for his second goal.