All-Ireland champions Clare enjoyed the perfect start to their National Hurling League campaign, beating Kilkenny by a point in Ennis on Sunday afternoon.
A point in the 65th minute by Colin Ryan proved decisive as Davy Fitzgerald’s men sealed a 1-16 to 0-18 victory at Cusack Park.
Clare were on top for the majority of the first half thanks to a goal from Ryan, but the Cats – buoyed by Henry Shefflin – dug their heels in and got back into the game.
Shefflin had seven points to his name by the interval, with the sides going in level at 0-11 to 1-08.
A Colm Galvin score in the second half restored Clare’s lead, but the sides were level with 15 minutes to play as Ryan and Shefflin traded scores.
Kilkenny were ahead for first time on 57 minutes through Padraig Walsh, but Clare fought back to seal a hard earned victory.
Meanwhile, Galway were far too good for a below-par Dublin, running out 0-28 to 1-12 winners at Pearse Stadium.
Cathal Mannion and Jonathan Glynn were particularly impressive for the Tribesmen, who led 0-16 to 0-6 after a one-side first half.
Things only got worse for the Dubs in the second half after Conal Keaney was sent off, and a goal from Sean McGrath was scant consolation in the end.
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