Waterford hurling manager Justin McCarthy insists The Deise may yet taste success this year but has heaped praise on the Clare side that felled them at the first hurdle.
After the 2-26 to 0-23 win for the Banner County in Limerick's Gaelic Grounds, Waterford must now wait five weeks to play the loser of the Galway versus Antrim game in a championship qualifier.
By then McCarthy should have a full squad to choose from after being without four All-Stars yesterday.
However, as difficult as it is to cope without the likes of Eoin Kelly, Ken McGrath, Eoin Murphy and Paul Flynn, McCarthy admitted today his side couldn't cope with Mike McNamara's men.
"The better team on the day won, and they won fairly and squarely, with no excuses being offered on our side," said McCarthy.
"Clare were outstanding. They got some great scores from play, their hurling was fast and fluent, and for lengthy spells we just didn't live with them.
"The fact is that we were without four All Stars, all of them hugely influential players, and you don't replace them overnight. As the game went on we were feeling their absences more and more."
McCarthy added: "We are probably being written off by everyone other than ourselves, but believe me this team of ours at full-strength still has a lot to give and will go on and give it."