There could scarcely have been a more competitive match than this, nor could there have been a more outstanding free-taking performance than that of the Kildare teenager Pauric Brennan, who contributed 11 points from frees and one from play. While the Clare manager, John O'Keeffe, admitted that Clare's lack of discipline contributed to Brennan's tally from frees, it has to be said that Westmeath referee Paul McGann started off in a very fussy mood and continued right to the end. He "booked" nine players and sent one off during the course of a match which was played with fervour but without rancour.

Clare had quite legitimate claims for a penalty in the final minutes when Kildare goalkeeper Christy Byrne and full back Ronan Quinn seemed to get their calls mixed up. In an almost comic few moments Kildare managed to winkle the ball clear. Kildare's goal after only six minutes had also seemed fortunate. Niall Buckley lobbed a free kick into the Clare goalmouth and the ball bounced before entering the net, with Kildare corner forward Brian Murphy claiming he had managed a deflection - although to this observer it seemed the goal should have been credited to Buckley. That score was the main difference between the sides afterwards. Clare never managed to get on terms, while getting very close at times.

Clare's frustration was illustrated just before the end when Peter Cosgrove, who had laboured long without a great deal of success, was sent off, apparently for challenging the referee's decision too frequently.

Kildare: C Byrne; S Dowling, R Quinn, D Dalton; B Lacy, W McCreery, M Ryan; N Buckley (1-1, a free, a 45), D Earley; D Behan, D Kerrigan (0-2), J Whelan; P Brennan (0-12, 11 frees), K O'Dwyer, B Murphy. Subs: E McCormack for Whelan (half-time); P Gravin for McCormack (22 mins).

Clare: J Hanrahan; F Griffin, B Rouine, A Malone; B Keating, P Gallagher, D O'Driscoll; D O'Sullivan, P Cosgrove (0-2); G Keane (0- 5, two frees), F McInerney (0-1), P McMahon; J Enright, S Hehir (0- 1), M Daly (0-4, two frees, one 45). Subs: C Shannon for McMahon (43 mins); M Liddane for O'Sullivan (53 mins); D Russell for Malone (57 mins).

Referee: P McGann (Westmeath).