Ruthless Cats book final spot after easily dismissing Clare

Brian Cody will lead Kilkenny into a 17th All-Ireland final after his superb Kilkenny side trampled all over a fancied Banner outfit.

Led by the red-hot Ballyhale Shamrocks trio of TJ Reid (0-10, 7fs), Adrian Mullen (0-05) and Eoin Cody (0-03) up front, their backs were just as impressive.

Mikey Butler shackled Tony Kelly so successfully that the Clare star didn't score from play – he finished with just four points from placed balls and five wides.

It was 1-17 to a pitiful 0-06 at half time, Martin Keoghan’s goal rubbing salt in the wound of the 11 Clare shots hit off target under relentless defensive pressure.

The Cats dug their claws again early in the second period when the excellent Cian Kenny (1-02) raised another green flag and though Clare didn’t give up, Shane O’Donnell (0-04) and David Fitzgerald leading the resistance, the gap was now far too big and they never narrowed it closer than 10 points.

A season that promised so much ends in bitterly disappointing fashion for Clare. Kilkenny are one win away from a first All-Ireland title since 2015. They will take some beating.

More to follow….