Clare won only their second ever Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor A Hurling title this afternoon and their first since 1997 when they defeated Galway at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles.
The Banner ran out winners by five points in the end but dominated the contested particularly the second half.
Leading by just a point heading out for the second half in blistering hot conditions in Tipperary, Ógie Fanning netted a crucial goal just thirty seconds after the restart.
The win is a significant step forward for underage hurling in Clare. Despite the success of the U21 and senior teams down the years, a 26-year wait to win the Irish Press Cup is something they will hope not to have to endure again.
Clare manager reacts to Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor championship win
"Really happy with the lads, so delighted for them [...] It's massive for Clare hurling"
Bainisteoir buacach an Chláir - Brian O'Connell 🏆@ElectricIreland |@GaaClare | @TG4TV#GAABEO | #GAA | #CLAvGAL pic.twitter.com/6iUhF3eQHy— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) June 4, 2023
The side's manager Brian O'Connell summed up the achievement when speaking on GAA Beo after the game.
"I thought it was brilliant from start to finish," he said.
"Obviously they got the goals on us but I thought we did all the hurling for most of the game. I'm really happy with the lads, so delighted for them.
"I'm delighted for everyone that's involved in the setup. It's massive for Clare hurling.
"I think it's just the start to be honest. I said it to the lads during the week that there's so much good things happening in the development squads and at underage level that we can really be the catalyst for what's coming next.
"I got a text message of the 1997 captain John Reddan last night. It's been a long time coming and I'm sure he won't be too disappointed to see another Clare man going up there to collect the trophy."
It was Eoghan Gunning of Broadford who got that honour of lifting the cup in front of the Clare supporters who had made their way onto the pitch.
They will be hoping to see similar scenes next weekend when their senior team face Limerick in the Munster final at the Gaelic Grounds.
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