Talking Points: The Ballyhale Boys bite back

A masterclass from Kilkenny, a nightmare for the Banner. The most revealing stat of the opening half on Saturday was the comparative conversion rates - Kilkenny’s was a staggering 82%, Clare's a paltry 26%.

BALLYHALE BOY: Adrian Mullen of Kilkenny during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final match between Kilkenny and Clare at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Kilkenny’s devastating counter-punches

In the 65th minute, Eoin Murphy made a top-class save from David Fitzgerald. The ball was cleared and TJ Reid immediately pointed at the other end. A goal at that stage would have only added another layer of make-up and a more flush complexion to the scoreboard for Clare, but Reid’s point still reflected a dominant trend of the match.