CLONOULTY-ROSSMORE claimed the spoils in this Tipperary SHC semi-final in Thurles yesterday despite having played second fiddle for long spells to a Kildangan team that has come a long way in a short time.

THE BONFIRES were ablaze in Puckane last night as Kildangan celebrated its first North Tipperary senior hurling title since 1943, its third in all, a victory made all the sweeter in that it was achieved in the most unlikely of circumstances over neighbours and fierce rivals, Burgess.

This coming Sunday the TG4 Underdogs side, managed by former Offaly boss Pat Fleury, will take on the might of Kilkenny's senior hurlers on the hallowed turf of Nowlan Park (throw-in 1.45pm).