Clare joint-manager Donal Moloney has called for Antrim's hurlers to be given a fair crack of the whip.

Speaking after watching his side stroll to a 27-point victory over the Saffrons in the All-Ireland U-21 HC semi-final, Moloney told TG4: "We've said it the last couple of years, we've met Antrim each year for the last three years now, and to get to this stage of the competition I think they have to be given a fair chance.

"Maybe the Ulster Council will do something, allow them go into Leinster. I said it last year, they have some brilliant hurlers. They're every bit as serious about their hurling as our guys are but they're given no chance with regard the competition structure unfortunately."

Clare now turn their attention to a final date with the winners of the second semi-final between Galway and Wexford and Moloney admits there was little they could take from today's one-sided encounter.

"It's difficult to understand what way the players will take that today. The competition wasn't anywhere near what the competition will be like in the final so we have to make that ground up in training over the next few weeks.

"We asked them to be very professional, we asked them to treat Antrim with every respect, which they deserve, and they did so. We're very happy with how they performed."

Clare full-forward Aaron Cunningham helped himself to 3-3 and he added: "At training all week we focussed on our start.

"We felt we started well today and at half-time we spoke about our performance and setting a benchmark.

"The second-half out there we were concentrating on our performance and just try to not let down anyone or any of the fans that came here today to see us.

"The competition (for places on the Clare team) is unbelievable. At training every single night the competition is unbelievable so I  don't think anyone can afford to relax out there."

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