And so the dust has settled on the hurling league campaign. Clare are the Division 1 champions after edging out Waterford in a pulsating replay at Semple Stadium.
On League Sunday, both Seánie McGrath and Eddie Brennan were satisfied with what both teams served up.
"Compared to last week where there was a lot of tactics employed, it was much better and those tactics came in for a lot of criticism," said McGrath.
"In fairness to both sides today, they went for it. The goals set the tone from an early stage. It was a much better spectacle.
At various stages during the game, Waterford enjoyed a six-point advantage, but Clare had the wherewithal when it mattered to get their noses in front.
Commenting on the resolve shown by Davy Fitzgerald's side, Brennan added: "What was really impressive about Clare today was that they were hanging in for a fair bit of the game.
"Different fellas weighed in with scores and that's what you want from your team when things might not be going well as a collective."
The former Kilkenny star also praised the contribution from the Banner trio of David Reidy, Darach Honan and Colin Ryan, with McGrath highlighting the "great patience and awareness" shown by the winners.
