Limerick still cast a shadow but it's not all gloom for their rivals

The golden horde had thronged Limerick before noon.

Spirits were high. This was the day that Clare were going to end a quarter century of hurt and reclaim their throne as high kings of Munster. 'Up the Banner!'

They had already beaten Limerick in the championship in their own ground once. Why not again?

By half-time, things were going to plan. Brian Lohan’s side led by a goal and could have been further ahead.

But Limerick had other ideas. Writing their own history of five Munsters in a row for a start.

They pulled clear with a post-interval burst and though Clare fought back, the hosts showed why they are champions by holding on to win by a point - 1-23 to 1-22.

"Achieving what they've done today does cut them off as being a particularly special bunch of men," said Treaty manager John Kiely afterwards. "I'm thrilled for them that they have that and it can never be taken from them.

"I think we’ve shown an amazing level of resilience and the hunger and appetite that was questioned is most certainly still there. This is our home patch, this is our backyard, and we’re very proud of our record here.

"One of the things that's been noticeable this year is that our third quarter has been tremendous in terms of energy and in terms of scoring. It's a great trait in a team to come out in what they call the moving quarter and actually move.

"I think we were the better side. We probably could have had a couple mores scores on the board."

Match highlights

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Substitutes Cathal O’Neill