CLARE LOSS AGONY NOT LYNG-ERING WITH DEREK

DEREK LYNG has shot down the hard luck stories around Kilkenny's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Clare last year - insisting that they didn't earn it.

- BY PAT NOLAN

The Cats looked to be in control in the first half but missed chances to put significant distance between themselves and the Banner, who reeled them in in the second half to win by two points en route to the title.

Lyng doesn't reflect on it as one that slipped through their fingers, however.

"I don't think we threw it away," he said. "I think the best team won on the day. I don't think we earned it.