Clare come through back door in style

Clare became the first provincial championship losers to qualify through the infamous back door for an All-Ireland final when mastering a disappointing Kilkenny side at Croke Park yesterday.

It was desperately close in the end: Henry Shefflin had an opportunity to get an equaliser off the last puck of the match, a free some 25 yards out.

The Shamrocks player, who was prolific in Kilkenny's win in the Leinster final, shot chest-high, but the ball was deflected short of its target. Clare have yet to win the All-Ireland minor title, but it is obvious, on the evidence of their display in yesterday's absorbing struggle, that they now have a great chance of creating history on the double.

Kilkenny gave a display that was riddled by error and inconsistency. They seemed to have the power and the skill, but their application at critical times left much to be desired.

Clare were far more determined with strength to burn down the middle. Full back Ken Kennedy, centre back, captain John Reddan, and wing backs Gordon Malone and Brian McMahon, were outstanding.

Another Brian McMahon, at left corner forward, was highly industrious and effective and fed well off a supply largely laid on by Gearoid Considine. The winners strong and burly free-taker, Mark Lennon, played a huge role, scoring six points, including three long-range frees and a 65.

JP Corcoran in midfield for Kilkenny had a fine first half, but faded in the second, a situation that was indicative of Kilkenny's hot and cold display. A goal by Ken Power shortly after half-time, to reduce a 0-9 to 0-5 deficit to a single point, failed to inspire Kilkenny to greater heights.

Clare: G O'Connell; W Kennedy, K Kennedy, P Collins; B McMahon, J Reddan, G Malone; S Fitzpatrick, G Considine (0-3); C Mullen, C Earlie (0-1), J O'Meara; M Lennon (0-6, three frees and 65), D Madden (0-1) B McMahon (0- 2). Subs: D Duggan for Collins (half-time), R Cooney for Mullen (52 mins), E Minogue for O'Meara (57 mins).

Kilkenny: N McCormack; T Digby, M Kavanagh, J Lynch; A Cummins, J Brennan, N Hickey; P Buggy, J P Corcoran; P Sheehan (0- 3), J Hickey, R Byrne; H Shefflin (0-3, frees), J Barron (0-1), K Power (1-0). Subs: JP O'Neill for Byrne (42 mins), J Murray for Barron (52 mins).

Referee: G Harrington (Cork).