Cork edged out Clare in a disappointing tie at Kilmallock on Saturday. Backed by a strong breeze, Clare led 0-7 to 0-4 at halftime, but Clare had six wides in a 10-minute spell midway through the second half which proved very costly.
Fionnan Murray and Paul Hehir kicked six points for their respective teams. Only a point separated the sides 30 seconds from the end, but Hehir's attempt to level for Clare from a free dropped short and Cork swept up field and scored the final point through Jeremy Canty.
CORK: P Morris; G Canty, W Sherlock, M Prendergast; J Miskella (0-1), D Wiseman, T Daly; N Murphy, T O hAilpin; B J O'Sullivan (0- 1), F Murray (0-6), B O'Sullivan (0-1); P Clif- ford (0-1), R Honohan, J Canty (0-1).
CLARE: R Hawes; B O'Shea, C Whelan, B Malone; D Marrinan, P O'Connor, N O'Grady; B Considine, D Murphy; G O'Leary, C Malone (0- 1), G Quinlan; M Liddane, P Hehir (0-6), C Mullen (0-2). Subs: M O'Connell for O'Leary (40 mins), J Hynes for Quinlan (59 mins). Referee: M Ryan (Limerick).
Facile win for Kerry
