All-Ireland SHC- The Key Talking Points in Kilkenny's semi-final defeat to Clare

Main Man
Shane O'Donnell (Clare)
Clare’s roaming full forward was a constant threat to Kilkenny and while he only finished the ga,me with one point from play, he had the likes of Richie Reid, Mikey Butler and Huw Lawlor on edge throughout the 70 minutes. The former three goal All-Ireland Final star was ably assisted by David Reidy, Mark Rodgers and David McInerney who all had big moments. From a Kilkenny point of view, it was Cian Kenny, TJ Reid, Billy Ryan and Mikey Carey who stood out the most.

Talking Point
Everything looked to be going in the Noresiders favour when they led by five at the break and six after Billy Ryan’s second half goal but they’d no answer to Clare’s relentless surge inside the final quarter. With only two points between the sides come the final whistle, the inches and missed chances become even more important and the fact that Kilkenny failed to score at all from the 57th minute to the finish will be a major sore point.

Turning Point
The half-time narrative was very different to the one come the final whistle and there was a feeling that Clare were hanging on a bit in the first period and Mikey Carey’s goal opportunity in particular was a big moment as a goal there would have given the Cats a 1-5 to 0-2 lead in a period where they looked to be much the better team.

Highlight
On a very disappointing day for Kilkenny hurling, there was one major high point as Eoin Cody scored an incredible individual goal into the Hill 16 end. Despite facing into three or four defenders, the classy forward used his imagination to flick the ball up into the air and bat the sliotar with huge ferocity past Eibhear Quilligan for a stunning finish.

What’s Next
Kilkenny’s season is at an end while Clare now face Cork in what will be their first All-Ireland Final appearance since 2013.

Attendance
39,241