Kilkenny were on it right from the off, winning an early free that was a settler for TJ Reid as he split the posts and moved into top spot in the all-time scoring list for championship hurling.
The Banner struggled to make much headway in attack, relying on Aidan McCarthy for the bulk of their scores in the opening period.
At the other end, goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan would provide stubborn resistance, making a great double save from Cian Kenny and Adrian Mullen, then again from Mikey Carey, the save out for a 65 that Reid landed to put four between them.
There was nothing he could do on 24 minutes as Kilkenny’s goal came in spectacular fashion as Eoin Cody gathered along the left end line, but despite being surrounded, he managed to get an overhead shot away that found the net, helping them into a 1-10 to 0-8 interval advantage.
Clare looked a different proposition after the break as they reeled off the first three scores.
A goal was the margin on 47 minutes that was then doubled as TJ Reid zipped in a difficult ball for Quilligan to deal with as he spilled and Billy Ryan was there to pounce and slam home.