Compiled by Daragh Ó Conchúir
There is no doubt that the story of the day though was Clare’s shock 1-9 to 0-10 triumph over Kilkenny at Nowlan Park.
While Brian Dowling was getting his management under way in experimental mode, few would have given a rebuilding Banner outfit a chance of bagging the garlands but with Eimear Kelly providing seven points, and Áine O’Loughlin the critical 47th minute goal, Ger O’Connell’s charges emerged from the Lion’s Den with a priceless Group 1 victory.
The Cats began with serious intent but Shauna Canny made a good save from Miriam Walsh. Points from Katie Nolan and Michaela Kennelly gave the hosts an early lead after Kelly had gotten the scoring under way from a free. Kelly converted three more frees to make it 0-4 to 0-2 at half-time.
Canny had to make another early save directly from the restart but Kilkenny were back within one thanks to points by Danielle Morrissey and Denise Gaule, when O’Loughlin found the net.
It was nip and tuck from there to the end and though Aoife Doyle, Morrissey and Gaule slotted points from the Noresiders, Kelly and Greta Hickey split the posts at the other end for a famous win.
