Clare started it off by running through Waterford and ‘Brick’ Walsh

John Conlon scored three points in the Munster SHC quarter final win. INPHO/James Crombie

This man, and his sideburns, knew it was too soon to get excited

Cork were waiting in the semi-finals but Clare had beaten then thrice in 2013. INPHO/James Crombie

A half-time lead was frittered away in gusting winds and it was off to the Qualifiers

Paraic Collins reflects on a missed goalscoring chance in The Banner’s eight point loss. INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Cusack Park was the first stop-off on the road to recovery

The game was delayed by 15 minutes as traffic-impinged supporters trickled in. INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Laois were stuck in neutral and Clare went points crazy

14 different scorers combined to amass a scary scoreline of 1-32 to 0-15. INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Blue was the colour against Wexford and extra time was called for

Goalkeeper Patrick Kelly saves a shot on goal in a game Clare eventually won with 10 points to spare. INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

Galway started the All-Ireland quarter final as favourites…

… but Clare’s scorers came from all over the park and got Davy Fitz excited. INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Lee who?

The Clare manager broke out the ‘Sharpey Shuffle’ as his side danced at the crossroads of All-Ireland glory. INPHO/Donall Farmer

Let’s see who is waving the flags later

Clare’s David McInerney, Cian Dillon, Brendan Bulger, Patrick O’Connor, Colm Galvin and John Conlon parade past some Limerick supporters. INPHO/James Crombie

The Treaty County were up for the fight

The heart may have ruled the head, however, as easy scoring chances were squandered. INPHO/Lorraine O’Sullivan

The Banner goal from Darach Honan was scrappy but Paraic Collins didn’t care

The three-pointer was enough to keep Limerick at arm’s length throughout the semi final. INPHO/Donall Farmer

All-Ireland SHC 2013: Clare’s route to the final

Clare fans get chance to see All-Ireland Final on big screen… in Ennis