Richie Hogan, right, and John Joe Farrell, Kilkenny, in action against Cian Dillon, left, and Nicky O'Connell, Clare.

By MARTIN CRUMMY

KILKENNY got all the headlines, but Clare’s U-21 hurling win was the stuff made of legend.  It prevented the Cats from gaining a near clean sweep again, but more than that it gave the Banner County some hope and belief that maybe success can return to their county. 

The final, was a first for Clare at this level, something that can’t be overlooked when deciding the team of the year. 

Kilkenny were hoping to clinch a Championship two-in-a-row, which they last managed in the 2003-2004 seasons. After solid wins against Dublin in the Leinster Final and Antrim in the All-Ireland semi final, Kilkenny were  favourites for the match. 

 Clare, in contrast, were in their first ever final at this level.  After a thrilling win against Waterford in the Munster final, the first time provincial champions took Galway to extra time before eventually winning by two points in what is widely being viewed as the best game of hurling all season.  

 The Banner County held out for a one-point win over Kilkenny in the final at Croke Park.

 A late point from Cormac O’Donovan was the deciding factor in a thrilling game.

 A homecoming party took place at O’Connell Square in Ennis town centre later that evening.

 The icing on the proverbial cake was Clare forward Darach Honan being selected for the inaugural Bord Gáis Energy Breaking Through Player of the Year award.  The Clonlara clubman was picked from a shortlist that included heavy hitters Joe Canning and Richie Hogan to claim the €1,000 prize.

 In light of the current situation of Clare senior hurling, people should take a step back and remember the summer to remember the U-21 team had.