Clare, Leitrim and Tipperary impressed on Sunday to overcome their respective opponents in Division IV.
Tipperary easily overcame London 2-12 to 1-08 at Semple Stadium, with the expected lack of competitiveness on show reflected by a paltry attendance of just 251 spectators. Tipperary led 1-6 to 0-3 at the half and took their foot off the pedal in the second half. London did well to make the scoreline a little less one-sided with an improved performance in the second half but Tipperary were too strong for the Exiles.
Leitrim eventually overcame Carlow 1-16 to 0-12 at Cullen Park on Sunday. The game began as an evenly contested affair with both teams trading points. However, Leitrim grew into the game and led 1-6 to 0-6 at the half. Derek Hayden of Carlow was sent off and Leitrim used their numerical advantage to full effect to win the game on a scoreline of 1-16 to 0-12.
Clare put in an excellent performance in Tullamore to escape with the two points, as they edged past Offaly by 0-13 to 2-5. In a hard-fought affair, it was the accuracy of the Clare forwards that proved to be the difference. David Tubridy (two) scored two early points for Clare, but Offaly drew level with points from Brian McNamee and Alan Mulhall. Further points from Tubridy gave Clare a 0-5 to 0-2 lead but McNamee levelled it up with a goal. However, Clare scored the next three points to lead 0-8 to 1-2 at half-time. Offaly remained behind for the rest of the game, as it finished 0-13 to 2-5 in favour of the Banner county.
Limerick currently lead the way in Division IV with three wins from three games, but Clare’s win puts them hot on their heels with four points. Waterford and Carlow are also on four points, with the latter’s loss to Leitrim hindering their title hopes. Tipperary’s win over London gives the Premier county their first win of the campaign, with the Exiles being condemned to their third straight loss. Offaly are level with Tipperary and Leitrim on two points.
