DJ Carey was impressed by Clare's dismantling of Kilkenny in Thurles on Sunday.

The former Black & Amber ace believes the manner of the Banner County's league semi-final victory proves that the 2013 All-Ireland champions are back from their two-year spell in the intercounty wilderness:

"On the evidence of Sunday's fantastic performance against Kilkenny, Clare are most certainly back," the Noreside legend writes in The Irish Daily Mirror.

"Although they've struggled over the past couple of years, nobody would have doubted Clare's ability; it's more they would have wondered where they went.

"Because, as we were reminded on Sunday, the ability is still there in spades. Both teams wanted to win the game unequivocally. That was obvious from how Clare played and Kilkenny know no other way.

"But Clare showed far more physicality, hunger and speed right throughout the field. The result is a big boost to them and probably something they needed after a confidence-sapping couple of seasons."

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