Cats hold off Clare in slow-burn showdown 

"Today will give us a lot of confidence,” said Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng. 

FLAT OUT: Clare's Ian McNamara is tackled by Paddy Degan of Kilkenny. Pic: INPHO/Natasha Barton

Kilkenny 0-23 Clare 0-21 

Just before the throw-in, the rain came down in sheets, enveloping a cold, dark and dank afternoon in even more misery, making it even more understandable again why it took until early in the fourth quarter for the crowd to warm up, find their voice, and make a highly competitive match feel like a contest had finally broken out.