PICTURES: Clare hurlers see off Kilkenny in dramatic Allianz League final

Clare are the 2024 Allianz League champions following a hard-fought victory over Kilkenny at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday evening.

Brian Lohan's side emerged victorious by 3-16 to 1-20 despite a late comeback by the Cats.

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Clare led 1-8 to 0-9 at half-time with Aidan McCarthy scoring the only goal of the half. 

McCarthy, who scored a total of 2-10, netted his second on 54 minutes while David Fitzgerald also raised the green flag during the second half.

There was tension towards the end of the final with Eoin Cody rattling the net for Kilkenny on 65 minutes.

There was further drama four minutes later when Clare goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan saved a poorly-struck penalty which, if scored, would have left just a single point between the teams.

Next up for Clare are the All-Ireland champions, Limerick, in the first round robin fixture of the Munster SHC on April 21.

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Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Adam Hogan, Conor Cleary, Conor Leen; Diarmuid Ryan, John Conlon, Cian Galvin; Cathal Malone, Darragh Lohan; David Fitzgerald, David Reidy, Peter Duggan; Aidan McCarthy, Ian Galvin, David Reidy.

Subs: Shane O’Donnell for I Galvin, Aron Shanagher for Reidy, David McInerney for C Galvin, Rory Hayes for Leen, Seadna Morey for Lohan.

Scores: Aidan McCarthy 2-10 (9 x frees), David Fitzgerald 1-0, Mark Rodgers 0-2, Diarmuid Ryan, Darragh Lohan, Ian Galvin 0-2 and Cathal Malone 0-1.

Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy, Tommy Walsh, Huw Lawlor, Shane Murphy; David Blanchfield, Paddy Deegan, Richie Reid; Cian Kenny, Jordan Molloy; Adrian Mullen, John Donnelly, Billy Ryan; Luke Hogan, Billy Drennan, Eoin Cody.

Subs: Martin Keoghan for Hogan, Timmy Clifford for Drennan, Kevin Blanchfield for Molloy, Liam Blanchfield for Ryan,.

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).

PICTURES: Sportsfile