Anger and responsibility: Goals at key moments brighten up the Clare universe

Clare boss Brian Lohan was understandably happy with his side closing out a game that could have gone either way, particularly when Kilkenny were in full cry late on

Aron Shanagher of Clare shoots to score his side's fourth goal past Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Regulars assemble doesn’t have the same ring as Avengers assemble, but then maybe the Marvel Cinematic Universe doesn’t quite stretch to Cusack Park.

No disrespect intended: we had a tasty battle between Clare and Kilkenny in NHL 1B, the home side emerging from the shoot-out with the points, but both sides are likely to draw heavily on lessons learned here with the championship looming.