All-Ireland MFC semi-finals: Clare 0-27 Cork 1-22; Waterford 2-21 Kilkenny 2-18
Clare completed a weekend of All-Ireland minor semi-final shocks by dumping out Munster champions Cork at Semple Stadium.
On Saturday evening, Leinster champions Kilkenny fell to Waterford at Wexford Park to create a novel final pairing.
In an absorbing Thurles clash, the Banner racked up 27 points despite hitting 14 wides.
They were led by 0-13 from Paul Rodgers, the younger brother of senior star Mark.
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Cork’s goal arrived in the fifth minute through Cormac Deane, the son of Rebel stalwart Joe. The Killeagh youngster cut on to his left and blasted a low shot from the 21 to the net for a 1-1 to 0-3 lead.
Leon Talty denied him a second goal as Clare soon reclaimed the lead. They were sparked by three in a row from Rodgers, who later added an exceptional sideline cut from close to the 65. All six forwards were on the board by half-time as they led, 0-15 to 1-10.
The sides were level six times in the third quarter until Clare made the decisive move taking four of the next five points.
Michael T Brosnan and Eoghan O’Shea left one between the sides entering stoppage time, but Rodgers found the insurance score.
On Saturday, Cormac Spain’s 2-6 tally helped Waterford to a first minor showpiece since 2013.
Cian Byrne batted home a first-minute goal for Kilkenny, but the Déise took their first lead when Spain whipped to the net in the 18th minute.
They led 1-10 to 1-7 at midway, yet Kilkenny restarted with five points on the spin.
Waterford turned the game on its head with a 1-7 streak around the three-quarter mark, with Spain racing away to bury his second goal.
They still held a seven-point cushion approaching injury time, but Kilkenny got it back to two with Adam Maher’s goal. Jamie Shanahan’s point steadied their nerves at the death.
