For the first time since 1993, the Division 1 hurling league final will go to a replay.
Clare and Waterford will lock horns on Sunday next as extra time failed to separate them in their May Day clash at Semple Stadium. Many will probably question the quality of fare on offer, as an over emphasis on tactics and a high number of wides lent itself to a contest that was far from riveting.
That said, the excitement at the end of the 70 minutes and extra-time period, where Conor McGrath and Maurice Shanahan both held their nerve to score levelling points added a different complexion to the narrative.
Roll on the replay!
For Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald, the next day out is one he is relishing - part two of the trilogy. Part three, barring a replay, is set for 5 June in the Munster semi-final.
"You want a man's game, you want it toe-to-toe and that's what it was today"
Reflecting on the game, he was quick to praise the character of both teams ahead of the replay.
"I can't wait, I really can't wait for the next day. We had a great battle out there between two great teams. That's what hurling is about," he told RTÉ Sport.
"You want a man's game, you want it toe-to-toe and that's what it was today.
"We had to stand up at the end of normal time and Conor McGrath had to put over a free that was absolutely incredible. I'm so proud of him for what he did. Everything was on the line and he did it.
"Fair play to Maurice Shanahan at the end. He did it when he had to do it."
Respect at the end of the contest! Maurice & Davy!
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) May 1, 2016
Lovely pic by @sportsfilesteve #Clare #Waterford #AllianzLeague pic.twitter.com/NNtbau35tY
As to those who may question the quality served up in the drawn encounter, Fitzgerald added:
"As a hurling game, it was a savage game. That's the way I saw it, maybe you saw it differently.
"Both teams gave it everything. It was pretty nerve-racking stuff. If you don't like that ebb and flow, well I don't know what to say."
