There were contrasting feelings on either side of Galway Bay on Sunday as Clare came out on top against the Tribesmen at Semple Stadium.

The Banner now advance to the last four of the All Ireland hurling championship for the first time since 2006.

Manager Davy Fitzgerald was understandably pleased with the result.

"It's a great day. Our young fellas exceeded my expectations. We've worked very hard for the last year and a half. They put in a tremendous effort and fair play to the them," he said. 

Last year's All Ireland finalists Galway's indifferent season came to an end in the 1-23 to 2-14 defeat.

Anthony Cunningham was downbeat after the game.

He said: "We're very, very disappointed. It was through no one's fault really. It was probably bad luck in the second half and a good few wides that we're disappointed we couldn't get. As a team, Clare looked that bit sharper than us. They set up very well defensively and it took us a while to get on terms with that. So it's back to the drawing board for us."  

Clare manager Davy Fitzgerald celebrates his side's goal with considerable gusto ©INPHO/Donall Farmer