Lyons blasts hurling draw

Clare manager Cyril Lyons has bemoaned the recent 2003 All-Ireland hurling draw which pitted his county against Tipperary - for the fifth time in a row.

He said: "I was hoping we would get a different team and a different venue.

"After meeting Tipp for the last four years, we would have liked to meet another county. I don't know if it adds to the excitement for some people, but for me it doesn't."

Clare were beaten by Tipperary this year in Munster but recovered to blaze a trail of glory all the way to the All-Ireland final where they were beaten by Kilkenny.