The last time Tipperary and Clare met in a Munster U21 hurling final, two years ago, Tipperary had a team chockful of stars.

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald has made a series of changes to his side ahead of tonight's All-Ireland SHC second phase qualifier against Dublin.

They have been down this road before so forgive Micheal McDermott for being cautious.

IN perfect summer conditions, a powerful Limerick side proved too strong for Clare in Cusack Park yesterday as they booked their place against Cork in next Wednesday’s Munster Under-21 hurling final.

THE Cratloe-Crusheen clash in tomorrow’s Clare SHC final (Cusack Park, Ennis, 3.30pm) reinforces the sense of a power shift in Banner hurling, from traditional powerhouses to newer forces.

IT was not as facile as their runaway last four win over Galway, but after a white knuckle ride at Croke Park yesterday Kilkenny were crowned All-Ireland minor hurling champions.

Kilkenny 2-10 Clare 0-14

A CAMPAIGN which began on a low note in mid-April against Waterford has changed dramatically for the Clare minor hurlers.

Clare 0-20 Dublin 2-13

TOMORROW’S ESB All-Ireland MHC semi-final offers a golden opportunity for Clare and Dublin to end barren spells since their last national decider at the grade.

CLARE have injury worries over goalkeeper Ronan Taaffe and wing-forward Cathal Malone ahead of next Sunday’s ESB All-Ireland MHC semi-final against Dublin, with both players set to undergo fitness tests tonight.

A POWERFUL second-half display saw Clare claim a first ESB Munster minor hurling championship crown since 1989 at Semple Stadium yesterday.

AN exhibition of free-taking by Niall Arthur, who scored eight times from placed balls, earned Clare a two point victory over Limerick in a keenly contested ESB Munster MHC semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick last night.