Munster U21HC: Tipp topple champions

Tipperary's Michael Cahill and Clare's Conor McGrath chase the sliotar during the Munster U21 hurling final at Semple Stadium

A great week for Tipperary got even better when the county claimed its 20th Bord Gais Munster U21HC title at Clare's expense in Thurles last night.

Tipperary 1-22
Clare 1-17

In doing so, Ken Hogan's young side ended the Banner County's reign as provincial and All-Ireland champions. The signs looked ominous for the home side when Clare hit them for an unanswered 1-3 in the opening four minutes, but they recovered impressively to lead by 1-12 to 1-9 at half-time and had stretched their advantage to five points by the end.

Played before 11,450 spectators, it didn't take long for the game to come to life. A slip by Tipp goalkeeper James Logue allowed Conor McGrath to pounce for a second-minute goal. But Logue redeemed himself moments later with a brilliant save from Darach Honan and he also kept out a John Conlon penalty as the champions threatened to run riot.

Tipp eventually settled and a flurry of points from Seamus Hennessy, Michael Heffernan and John O'Dwyer had them back on level terms by the 20th minute. Free-taker Hennessy edged them in front a minute later before Brian O'Meara set up Heffernan for a 25th minute goal which gave the home side a three-point cushion at the break.

Tipp had wind advantage in the second half, but Clare restarted with points from Honan and Sean Collins to cut the gap to the minimum. Tipp responded through Noel McGrath, Hennessy, O'Dwyer and Sean Carey, and then Hennessy had a penalty saved by Cathal Chaplin in the 39th minute.

Clare got to within three points on a couple of occasions, but four points from Paddy Murphy in the closing seven minutes sealed the deal for Tipp, who now meet Antrim in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Tipperary - J Logue; M Cahill, J Coghlan, K O'Gorman; J Barry, Padraic Maher, B Maher; S Hennessy (0-5, four frees), N McGrath (0-2); S Carey (0-3), Patrick Maher, P Murphy (0-5); J O'Dwyer (0-3), B O'Meara (0-1), M Heffernan (1-3). Sub: K Morris for O'Dwyer.

Clare - D Touhy; D Nash, C Chaplin, J Gunning; P O'Connor, C Morey, L Markham; N O'Connell, S Collins; P Vaughan, J Conlon (0-1), E Hayes (0-4); F Kennedy (0-1), D Honan (0-3), C McGrath (1-8, seven frees). Subs: D O'Halloran for Vaughan; S Golden for Collins.

Ref: C McAllister (Cork)