Kilkenny 2-20
Clare 2-19

KILKENNY NARROWLY PREVAILED against Clare in a high-scoring clash at Nowlan Park today but the teams are going to face off again next weekend in the relegation final.

Kilkenny already knew they were set to battle in the relegation decider before today’s clash but Clare still had hope they could survive if they won and Dublin lost. However the results conspired against them meaning it’ll be a battle between Brian Cody and Davy Fitzgerald’s sides to see who will avoid the drop.

Clare were in front by 2-9 to 1-9 at the interval thanks to a brace of goals from Shane O’Donnell in the opening period. Clare had at one juncture in the opening period lead by 1-5 to 0-2 but Kevin Kelly, who struck 1-9 overall, was central to Kilkenny’s comeback and he fired home a first-half goal.

The Clare players after today's game. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Kilkenny were thwarted in the opening period when John Power’s penalty was blocked by Tony Kelly. However Kilkenny started the second-half brightly and quickly drew level. Then Jonjo Farrell pounced for a crucial goal in the 55th minute to send them into the lead.

The action ebbed and flowed in the closing stages with Clare moving in front before Kilkenny bagged four points in a row to go in front. Clare cut the deficit again when Seadna Morey and Conor Cleary raised white flags but despite winning a late penalty, Tony Kelly’s shot was blocked and Kilkenny held on to triumph.

Clare boss Davy Fitzgerald Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Scorers for Kilkenny: Kevin Kelly 1-9 (0-4f, 0-3 ’65), Jonjo Farrell 1-2, Mark Kelly 0-3, Joe Lyng, Walter Walsh, Matthew Ruth 0-2 each.

Scorers for Clare: Colin Ryan 0-7 (0-4f, 0-1 ’65), Shane O’Donnell 2-0, Tony Kelly 0-4, Seadna Morey, Colm Galvin, Conor McGrath 0-2 each, John Conlon, Conor Cleary 0-1 each.

Kevin Kelly tackles Domhnall O'Donovan Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

KILKENNY

1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)

2. Shane Prendergast (Clara)
3. Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
4. Jackie Tyrrell  (James Stephens)

5. Tomas Keogh (James Stephens)
6. Kieran Joyce (Rower-Inistioge)
7. Willie Phelan (Dunamaggin)

8. Joe Lyng (Rower-Inistioge)
9. Brian Kennedy (St Lachtain’s)

10. Walter Walsh (Tullogher-Rosbercon)
11. John Power (Carrickshock)
12. Matthew Ruth (James Stephens)

13. Jonjo Farrell (Thomastown)
14. Kevin Kelly (St Patrick’s)
15. Mark Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels)

Subs
Ger Aylward (Glenmore) for Kennedy (50)
Keith Hogan (Clara) for Ruth (59)
Robert Lennon (Bennettsbridge) for Tyrrell (inj) (63)

CLARE

1. Patrick Kelly (Inagh-Kilnamona)

2. Jack Browne (Ballyea)
3. David McInerney (Tulla)
4. Paul Flanagan (Ballyea)

5. Patrick Donnellan (O’Callaghan Mills)
6. Conor Ryan (Cratloe)
7. Cian Dillon (Crusheen)

8. Seadna Morey (Sixmilebridge)
9. Colm Galvin (Clonlara)

10. John Conlon (Clonlara)
11. Tony Kelly (Ballyea)
12. Colin Ryan (Newmarket-on-Fergus)

13. Conor McGrath (Cratloe)
14. Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg)
15. Aaron Cunningham (Wolfe Tones)

Subs
David Reidy (Éire Óg) for Cunningham (52)
Domhnall O’Donovan (Clonlara) for Flanagan (55)
Darach Honan (Clonlara) for McGrath (61)
Conor Cleary (Kilmaley) for Galvin (66)

Referee: James Owens (Wexford)

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