Clare fight back to beat Cats in semi-final thriller

Clare produced a stunning second-half comeback to beat Kilkenny 0-24 to 2-16 and banish their All-Ireland semi-final demons.

Kilkenny had defeated Clare at the same stage in the previous two years but it proved to be third time lucky for the Bannermen.

It was hard to see this coming at half-time as Kilkenny had dominated and held a five-point lead at the break.

Clare fought back to clinch a place in the decider for the first time since 2013.

Perhaps a reminder of the hurt of the last two years was ringing in Clare's ears at the break as they came out a completely different team and set about turning things their way.

They had to roll with the punches still as the concession of a second goal could have taken the wind out of their sails.

Clare forward Mark Rodgers celebrates at the final whistle

Kilkenny were on it right from the off, winning an early free that was a settler for TJ Reid as he split the posts and moved into top spot in the all-time scoring list for championship hurling.

The Banner struggled to make much headway in attack, relying on Aidan McCarthy for the bulk of their scores in the opening period.

At the other end, goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan would provide stubborn resistance, making a great double save from Cian Kenny and Adrian Mullen, then again from Mikey Carey, the save out for a 65 that Reid landed to put four between them.

There was nothing he could do on 24 minutes as Kilkenny's goal came in spectacular fashion as Eoin Cody gathered along the left end line, but despite being surrounded, he managed to get an overhead shot away that found the net, helping them into a 1-10 to 0-8 interval advantage.

Clare looked a different proposition after the break as they reeled off the first three scores.

A goal was the margin on 47 minutes that was then doubled as TJ Reid zipped in a difficult ball for Quilligan to deal with as he spilled and Billy Ryan was there to pounce and slam home.

It could have been the killer blow for Clare, but they roared back with six of the next eight points as their supporters found their voice.

Although Kilkenny seemed to have absorbed the fightback with two of their own, TJ Reid's 57th-minute free would be their final score as they had now lost their way with Tony Kelly and Ian Galvin pointing, while McCarthy held his nerve from a tricky free and Mark Rodgers levelled it with six to go.

Momentum was with Clare and McCarthy put them ahead for the first time in the 69th minute from another tricky free before Tony Kelly thumped over from deep.

Kilkenny raided for the goal they needed to save themselves, but this time it was to be Clare's day as they go forward to the final where they will face Limerick or Cork.