WATCH: Luke Meade scores crucial goal as Cork hurlers defend Munster crown

NEWCESTOWN’S Luke Meade scored a crucial first-half goal as Cork retained their Munster SHC crown.

The Rebels beat Clare 2-24 to 3-19 in a Thurles thriller.

Clare were the better team in the first half and led by eight points at one stage but Meade’s goal, set-up by Seamus Harnedy, late in the first half helped cut the gap to four at the break, 2-11 to 1-10.

Luke Meade goals for Cork! pic.twitter.com/u1NFMgodHQ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 1, 2018

Cork bossed the second half and outscored Clare by six points to one in the opening 13 minutes, with Harnedy pointing the Rebels in front.

It was Harnedy who scored Cork’s second goal to give his side a 2-18 to 2-15 lead with 11 minutes left, and while Cork led by four at one stage, Clare did grab an injury-time goal from Ian Galvin.

It was not enough as Cork held on for a deserved win, led by Harnedy (1-4) and Patrick Horgan (0-11).