Banner secure final slot after Carlow annihilation

THIS could have been an afternoon fraught with tension for the Clare hurlers but transpired to be a carefree stroll in Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday.

Defeat to Laois created doubt over Clare’s prospects of reaching the Division 2 decider but, ultimately, they proved to be masters of their own destiny.

Clare obliterated the Carlow challenge in a game that was as hopelessly one-sided as a glance at the scoreline would suggest. And the clear superiority of Ger O’Loughlin’s men meant there was no need to establish hotlines to Loughiel and Tralee to determine how Antrim and Laois were faring.