CLARE captured their fourth Oireachtas title and their first since 1983 when they proved too strong for Kilkenny (0-11 to 1-4) at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday.

A strong wind, together with driving rain, made conditions almost impossible for the players, but they managed to provide a most entertaining hour's hurling for an estimated attendance of 8,000. After playing with the aid of the wind Clare went to the break with a nine-point advantage, with the score at 0-10 to 0-1.