Clare would secure a dramatic victory over Waterford to keep their Munster Championship hopes alive, although it is likely that must of the post-match conversation will be dominated by events after the final whistle.
The two teams produced an incredible contest in Ennis, one that was in the balance until the last puck of the game.
Clare were in front for much of the game, although Waterford remained in touching distance throughout. The goals were the key moments in the game for both sides, including a stoppage time penalty from the Deise to get back on level terms.
Late drama as Shane Bennett fires home an injury time penalty to level it again
📺 Watch it here - https://t.co/WMGbng7nJR
📱 Or follow it here - https://t.co/mSprCDje76 pic.twitter.com/ObkOJGFaiS— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 19, 2024
However, there was more drama still to come.
Clare would win the game from a last gasp 65', although there was some debate around the decision to give the dead ball. Waterford believed that it should have been a puck out, although replays would suggest that the umpire made the right decision.
Mark Rodgers would go on to get the winning point.
FT: Clare 4-21 Waterford 2-26
Clare win it as a contested 65 is awarded on the final play, Mark Rodgers converting to the edge Brian Lohan's side home by a point
📺 Watch it here - https://t.co/WMGbng7nJR
📱 Or follow it here - https://t.co/mSprCDje76 pic.twitter.com/POari0CFDF— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 19, 2024
While Clare will be thrilled with the result, there were some unsavoury scenes after the game.
READ HERE: GAA Responds To Backlash Over Use Of AI For Match Programme Covers
What caused ugly Davy Fitzgerald scenes after Clare-Waterford Game?
Davy Fitzgerald often cuts an emotional figure on the sideline, but he appeared to overstep the mark after this game.
After that winning score from Clare, he would make his way onto the field and attempt to berate the officials. It is unclear what his issue was, although it is likely that it was related to that last 65' call.
Members of the Clare backroom team would then get involved and attempt to push him away from the referee.
Tensions run high at the finish in Ennis - Clare squeeze home courtesy of a late contested 65
📺 Watch it here - https://t.co/WMGbng7nJR
📱 Or follow it here - https://t.co/mSprCDje76 pic.twitter.com/nVSBklk885— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 19, 2024
Speaking on The Sunday Game, Joe Canning suggested that it may have been related to the Mark Rodgers placing the ball in front of the 65' when taking the dead ball.
It was the way he placed the ball in front of the 65-yard line.
Now it's not a big, I don't know if it's actually a rule or not, but normally when you're taking a 65', you have to place the ball behind the 65'.
It's the same thing that you have to strike the penalty before the 21-yard line and stuff like that. You can carry it over the 65-yard line if you place it behind.
The linesman was right beside it, I think Waterford were going a bit mad with it as well. You could see before that that they were saying it to the fourth official and other linesman.
It doesn't (give an advantage), it's only two yards. But it's a finicky rule...
I haven't seen it in a while. I saw it in one of the games the other day, I think it was an U20 game where he placed it in front of the 65'. When I was playing the last few years, you always to place it behind the 65'.
He was still going to score it, but I'd say that's what Waterford were giving out about.
This result keeps Clare in the provincial hunt, while Waterford are now under quite a bit of pressure ahead of a meeting with Limerick next week.
Time will tell how crucial that late score proves to be for both teams.