Brian Cody expressed his satisfaction with Kilkenny's victory over Clare which secured their place in Sunday week's Allianz Hurling League final against Cork.

"Obviously, we're very happy to be in the final," the Cats boss said.

"The heavy shower at the start of the match made conditions a bit difficult. The first half was very tight, very close and nothing in it. The goal we got early enough in the second half gave us that bit of breathing space. But it was very competitive and never easy.

"It was a really serious challenge for us. That's understandable and expected as well. If we had been less than competitive, we would have been in serious, serious trouble."

Cody dismissed the notion that Kilkenny will be using last year's shock final loss to Dublin as motivation for this year's decider.

"We won't be making up for last year's because it's done and dusted. It's this year's league final - two teams are going to play in it and we're one of them.

"We might as well be there - that's what we want to be doing. We're very happy in general with the panel. Some of them are very, very good in fairness and I'd be happy overall." Tweet

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