DOZEN GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS FOR BANNER HURLERS AFTER HISTORIC WIN.

Byline: GERRY QUINN

MUNSTER U21 HC FINAL WATERFORD 2-17 CLARE 2-12

AFTER a dozen heartbreaking Munster final defeats Clare gained their first provincial title at under-21 level in a riproaring decider at Dungarvan last night before 6,635 spectators.

A brace from the impressive Darach Honan proved decisive, on a lucky 13th Clare decider.

Clare lead 0-11 to 1-5 at the break, but Thomas Ryan's blistering pace was a danger and he netted the Deise goal.

Long range frees by Nick O'Connell and two from Darach Honan allowed the visitors to overtake their opponents by the 28th minute. After the break Caimin Morey pointed for the winners and this was followed by a scooped goal by Honan.

Even though Waterford pulled it back level (1-14 to 2-11) by the 48th minute Honan produced a fine goal with three minutes remaining to seal a famous win. CLARE: D Tuohy, J Gunning, E Glynn, C O'Doherty (Capt.), D O'Donovan, C Duggan, E Barrett, N O'Connell (0-3f), L Markham, J Conlon (0-1), S Collins, C O'Donovan (0-3), D Honan (2-2), C Morey (0-1), C Ryan (0-7, 4f). SUBS: C Tierney for Collins (h/t), P O'Connor for Collins (h/t), C McGrath for Markham (64).

WATERFORD: A Power (0-1f), J Maher, S Fives, N Connors, P Mahoney, S Daniels (Capt.) D O'Sullivan, S Walsh, K Duggan, T Connors, P Murray, M Shanahan (0-6, 5f), B O'Sullivan, S Casey (1-3, 1f), T Ryan (1-1, 1sl). SUBS: J O'Gorman (0-1) for Maher (33), S Power for B O'Sullivan (50), D Twomey for T Conners (58).

REFEREE: D Kirwan (Cork)