Clare's long journey to face Antrim in Creggan was worthwhile as their 0-10 to 0-06 victory ensured their promotion to Division 3 for next year.
Nineteen minutes elapsed before the game's first score, with the Banner going on to lead at the break 0-04 to 0-02.
They stretched that advantage out in the second period and despite a late rally, Colm Collins' side held their nerve to finally make the step up after some narrow misses in recent seasons.
Wicklow would have benefited from Clare side slipping up and their impressive late comeback to claim the points against Tipperary in Thurles was ultimately in vain.
Three goals in the final minute saw the Garden County amazingly prevail on a 4-12 to 0-22 scoreline.
Tipperary, who gained promotion from the bottom tier last week, will now face Clare in the divisional decider on 26 April.
In Sunday's other matches Leitrim finished strongly to beat London on a 2-06 to 1-07 scoreline in Ruislip, while Waterford overcame Carlow 1-09 to 0-09 at Fraher Field.
