Rampant Clare inflict Kilkenny’s largest margin of defeat in the Cody era

Clare 2-19 - Kilkenny 0-12: You know things aren’t going Kilkenny’s way when Richie Hogan makes way. The sight of the 2014 hurler of the year being called ashore in the 49th minute was a grimacing one for the player as much as the travelling support.

Kilkenny were only four points adrift at that stage but the sight of him trudging off the field was symbolic and must have been so affirming for Clare.

Even with the Fennellys available, it’s on Hogan and TJ Reid’s shoulders upon which so much is relied upon.