Clare manager Colm Collins hailed the efforts of his players after the Banner secured victory in the Allianz Division 3 Final against Kildare.
The Munster side claimed a dramatic win over the Lilywhites with a Dean Ryan goal in the 70th minute followed by late scores from Enda Coughlan and Eoin Cleary enough to see them prevail.
"I'm very proud of them, I'm just absolutely delighted"
Collins has overseen steady improvement since taking charge and ahead of their Munster championship opener with Limerick, the manager was delighted with the early season success.
"It is a great feeling, it was a fantastic experience for us," he admitted.
"There was a nail-biting finish of course, but it was great to come out on the right side of it. It was an excellent game in fairness to Kildare. Both teams really went at it throughout the game."
Coming into the closing stages of the match, it appeared the opportunity for a first piece of silverware in a decade had by-passed the underdogs, but the Cratloe clubman hailed the attitude of his players.
"There was some excellent play and work from our lads. I'm very proud of them, I'm just absolutely delighted. They are a tremendous bunch of players."
