Clare U21 2-20 Wexford U21 3-11
Clare's U21 hurlers won their third consecutive All Ireland U21 title with a thrilling victory over a battling Wexford side at Semple Stadium tonight.
2013 Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly bagged seven points for the Bannermen, who survived the concession of three second-half goals to make it four titles in six seasons.
Substitute David Dunne came off the bench to score two Wexford goals and Conor McDonald added another but it was not enough as Clare held onto the Cross of Cashel trophy.
For Wexford, the dream of a first title since 1965 evaporated as Clare responded to every challenge that was thrown at them.
In their first final in 13 years, Wexford were game and emptied the tank but Clare had that bit of extra class and know-how.
The Banner boys soaked up everything that’s been thrown at them over the last three seasons and their resilience in the face of any adversity is one of their major strengths.
And in Kelly, a remarkable young player, they have a proven matchwinner.
He was sublime with five first-half points and chipped in with two more for good measure after half-time.
And Colm Galvin, another of Clare’s senior stars, hit four second-half points from play.
Clare were 2-11 to 0-09 clear in the second half before Wexford were awarded a penalty 20 minutes from time.
From the resultant award, Jack Guiney saw his effort saved by Clare full-back Jack Browne.
Guiney converted the 65 but the Model County's race looked run after the psychological blow of a missed penalty.
And yet they managed three goals in the final 16 minutes, as sub Dunne struck twice before Conor McDonald netted in stoppage time.
From the start, the indications were that this might be a close-run thing as the sides were level twice in the opening minutes.
But after Wexford corner forward Kevin Foley rapped a shot off the crossbar, David Reidy netted at the other end, finishing from close range after Shane O’Donnell did brilliantly to create the chance.
That score helped Clare to lead by 1-08 to 0-06 at half-time, with Kelly running riot in that first half with five points.
In contrast, Wexford managed just two points from play in the opening half, with Clare’s first score from a placed ball knocked over by Bobby Duggan five minutes after the break.
Clare: K Hogan; J Colleran, J Browne, S Morey; G O’Connell (0-01), C Cleary, J Shanahan (0-01); C Galvin (0-04), E Enright; B Duggan (0-04, 3f), T Kelly (0-07), P Duggan; S O’Donnell, A Cunningham (1-02), D Reidy (1-01).
Subs: C O'Connell for G O'Connell (49), A O'Neill for O'Donnell (54), S O'Brien for Colleran (60+1).
Wexford: O O’Leary; A Kenny, L Ryan, E Conroy; J White, S O’Gorman, J O’Connor; A Nolan, C Devitt (0-01); J Guiney (0-08, 6f, 1 65), G Moore (0-02), P Foley; R Clarke, C McDonald (1-00), K Foley.
Subs: D Dunne (2-00) for O'Connor (35), J Cash for White (41), C O'Leary for G Moore (52), P Sutton for Cash (59).
Referee: C McAllister (Cork).
