Kilkenny pushed to the limit

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.

Richie Mulrooney’s charges were made to work hard before securing yesterday’s title as they atoned for last season’s final defeat. The manner in which they crushed Galway at the semi-final stage last month left them unbackable favourites, but Clare produced a wonderful performance that tested the Cats to the limit.

The Banner youngsters tore into the tie from the start and showed scant regard for their opponent’s reputations.