Reigning Cats fire warning

Kilkenny 3-20 Clare 0-15

It happened steadily over the first 10 minutes of the second half and combined with the advantage they gained all over the field, it guaranteed them a 12th title long before the whistle.

The disappointing feature for Anthony Daly's team was they were not merely very competitive through the first half, but actually looked the better-balanced side for the greater part of it. However, the concession of a penalty in the 24th minute expertly converted by a highly motivated DJ Carey upset their rhythm, while a loss of scoring chances in the 10 minutes before the break also proved costly.