Michael Duignan believes Clare deserved their Allianz League title success for their battling qualities and singled out match-winner Tony Kelly for special praise.
Clare sealed their first hurling league title since 1978, but for long periods it appeared that Waterford would retain their trophy having led for the majority of the contest.
"It was one of the great displays I have seen in Thurles”
The Banner trailed going into the final stages, but two late scores from Kelly, including a free from in his own half, ensured it was first blood to Clare with the Munster championship clash looming on 5 June.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Duignan paid tribute to the never-say-die attitude of the 2013 All-Ireland champions.
“Clare in the second half, to be down six points three times, showed the resolve to come back,” he said.
“It was fantastic from them especially as I thought they hit some very poor wides in that second half playing with the strong wind.
“Clare are deservedly League champions as they showed great resolve.”
Ballyea’s Kelly finished with 1-06 and manager Davy Fitzgerald admitted post-match he was somewhat relieved after he insisted Kelly take the crucial late free to draw the sides level at Semple Stadium.
Duignan said the contribution of the former Hurler of the Year was one of the most eye-catching he has ever witnessed at the famous venue.
“Conor McGrath was outstanding and kept them in the game in the first half, but Tony Kelly in the second half, it was one of the great displays I have seen in Thurles.”
Waterford will have to dust themselves down in preparation for their third tussle with their Munster rivals but the RTÉ analyst saw plenty of positives for Derek McGrath and his team.
“I thought Waterford were fantastic," he added.
“Patrick Curran, such a young forward, came of age. Jamie Barron was immense in the middle of the field.
“Waterford are going to be very disappointed, but Clare are deservedly League champions.”
The former Offaly All-Ireland winner said that the decision by referee Diarmuid Kirwan not to award midfielder Barron a free late on – described as “disgraceful” by John Mullane - was wrong, but they need to get over it quickly.
“It was obvious Jamie Barron was fouled. If Waterford had been awarded the free, they more than likely would have won the League.
“It wasn’t given. It is an injustice, but that happens in sport.
“Derek McGrath will be saying today, ‘Forget about it, it’s over now, there’s nothing we can do about it’.”
With the likes of David McInerney, John Conlon, Pauric Mahony and Maurice Shanahan all pushing to return to their respective camps ahead of the championship showdown, Duignan doesn’t believe the result will have too much of a psychological impact on next month’s fixture.
“All we do know after the last couple of weeks is that there is very, very little between these two teams.
“If anything these teams are going to be getting stronger.”
