Kilkenny craft keeps Banner in check

Kilkenny progressed with their customary assurance yesterday at Semple Stadium but received an adequately stern examination from Clare to earn their right to a spot in the final.

This was a game that boiled down to two sides in differing stages of development. When they needed to close out the game in the second half, Kilkenny were able to draw on the defensive nous of JJ Delaney and Brian Hogan, the midfield power of Michael Fennelly and the attacking prowess of Richie Power. The level of experience they have stockpiled in recent seasons was instrumental in ensuring this game metamorphosed into a one-point advantage for Kilkenny at the interval to a nine-point margin by the final whistle.

Clare will not be too downhearted in defeat. Their mission statement this spring was to achieve promotion to Division 1A and their recent riveting success over Limerick meant that aim had already been realised. Yesterday was a bonus match and crucially a chance to pit themselves against a higher class of hurling opposition.