Hi °C | Lo °C Man of the match
Matthew Ruth (Kilkenny)
He scored 1-3 from open play to take his total for the league to 5-6 -- the sort of statement that looks good on his application to be on the team for the championship.
Turning point
Kilkenny's goal in the 40th minute. It put them three points ahead, and they added a further 12 points to Clare's six from there to the finish.
Talking point
Davy Fitzgerald's post-match outburst in which he alleged that some referees lean towards the more successful teams when making decisions and that they had it in for him personally.
Ref watch
Kilkenny got a lucky break in the run-up to their goal, but that apart, Alan Kelly did well in a game which was played in a positive atmosphere.
What they said
Brian Cody (Kilkenny manager):
"The goal we got early in the second half gave us that bit of breathing space. Overall, it was a very competitive game. Certainly, it was never easy for us."
Davy Fitzgerald (Clare manager):
"Kilkenny were the better team, no doubt about that, but I'd be very unhappy with the lead-up to their goal. How come these decisions always go against the likes of Clare?"
Match statistics
Wides: Clare 10 (6); Kilkenny 9 (6)
Frees: Clare 16 (6); Kilkenny 14 (10)
Yellow cards: Clare 3 (C Dillon 17, B Bugler 21, C Cooney 50); Kilkenny 1 (T Walsh 62)
Red cards: Clare 0; Kilkenny 0
Attendance: 15,424
What next?
Kilkenny play Cork in the league final on Sunday week. Clare begin preparations for their Munster semi-final clash with Waterford on June 17.
