Clare joint-manager Donal Moloney said he didn't regard his team's wides tally as a primary factor in their loss, pointing out that Galway also were off-target on a number of occasions in Thurles.
The Banner struck 19 wides in total, eventually losing by a point after a suffocating and tension racked encounter. The victors Galway weren't slack in the wides department either, hitting 13 altogether in what was a relatively low-scoring game.
Speaking to the RTÉ Sport after the game, Moloney stressed the pride the management team had in the players, paid tribute to Galway's resoluteness, and played down the wides factor as a key determinant.
"I'm sure everyone in Clare is heartbroken, not to mind the dressing room. We're very, very proud of our players.
"We acknowledge and recognise Galway, the great champions that they are. Many other teams would have buckled in that second half but unfortunately Galway didn't.
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"Our shooting efficiency has been very, very good for a lot of games. There was a lot of pressure on today. Galway hit a lot of wides as well. Over the season, our shot efficiency has been quite good. So, I wouldn't look upon that as a primary factor today.
"I thought it was a case of Galway just hanging in there when we came with the storm in the second half."
Moloney disagreed with the notion that Clare's start was as poor as has been assumed, pointing out that Galway have been quick starters all season and their ambition was to weather the early blitz.
"I wouldn't agree that we played particularly poorly in the first half. We've got to recognise Galway and the way they start. Both Kilkenny and ourselves have experienced that over the last few weeks. They've a big capability when they come with that early surge.
"Our focus was that this (early surge) was going to come. Let's weather it and we'll take them in the final straight.
"But fair play to Galway, they were magnificent in how they held out."
