 However a poor match ensued with Clare narrowly defeating Galway by 2–10 to 0–14 thanks to a goal in each half, first from Declan O'Rourke and in the second half from Niall Gilligan, which proved the difference between the two sides.Previously Clare defeated Antrim at Casement park and following an unconvincing final qualifier win over Laois at O'Moore park in Portlaoise, Clare emerged top of group A to qualify for the quarter-final of the all-Ireland.Clare were drawn to face 2007's surprise packages Limerick, the Munster finalists who had drawn huge praise following their enduring three game series with Tipperary in the Munster championship.