Irresistible Banner rout Déise to set up final date with Tipp

A romp in the park for Clare in this Bord Gáis Éireann Munster U21 HC semi-final last night as they simply swept aside the feeble challenge of Waterford.

Senior star Darragh Fives was a late inclusion for Waterford — who made a host of additional positional changes from the announced starting 15, only four outfield players lining out as named. If this was meant to confuse Clare, it didn’t work. Waterford managed the opening score, a tidy flicked point by wing-forward Brian O’Halloran (one of their few bright lights on the night) but thereafter it was a procession of Clare scores, delighting their faithful on what was a fine evening for hurling.

Clare had won the toss, full-forward and captain Conor McGrath immediately indicating the Tulla Road end — they would play with the gale at their backs. It proved an inspired decision. 1-8 to 0-1 they led after 23 minutes, several of those points wind-assisted while Waterford were struggling to get the ball even into the Clare half. The visitors did manage to stem the bleeding, held the deficit to that 10 points to the break (1-11 to 0-4) with points from Eamon Murphy (another who tried hard) and free-taker Martin O’Neill (2), in reply to three more for Clare.