TIPPERARY 3-13
KILKENNY 1-17

The Tipperary intermediate hurlers gave Premier County supporters something to smile about when defeating Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final at Semple Stadium on Saturday.

Mick Ryan's charges had to withstand a late rally from the visitors before getting their hands on the silverware for the first time since 2000.

The hosts held a commanding twelve point advantage at the break - 3-9 to 0-6 - but Kilkenny took control of proceedings following the resumption and hit 1-7 without reply.

With nine minutes left on the clock, Tipp led by just one point and goalkeeper James Logue came to their rescue when saving a Rory Hickey penalty in the 54th minute.

Between them, the full-forward line full-forward line trio of Kieran Morris, Mikey Heffernan and David Butler contributed 3-9 of the winners' final total.

Afterwards, manager Ryan expressed the hope that the intermediate success could be a launch-pad for players to make the step-up to senior level.

"Hopefully, there are players out there that can make the next step up. That is what this is used for."

Tipperary - J. Logue; C. Coughlan, K. O'Gorman, G Walsh; J Barry, E Connolly, R Sherlock; M Gleeson (0-1), P White (0-1); S Carey (0-1), D O'Brien, J Gallagher; K Morris (1-3, 0-1 f), M Heffernan (1-4). D Butler (1-2). Subs: R Ruth for Butler, E Sweeney for Gallagher, C Dillon for O'Brien, P O'Dwyer (0-1) for White.

Kilkenny - R O'Neill; M Phelan, A Walsh, J Corcoran; B Kennedy (0-1), B Beckett, L Harney (0-1); J Lyng (0-1), P Murphy; N Walsh (0-2), R Hickey (0-8, 4 fs, 2 65s), K Kelly (0-3); R Walsh, J.J. Farrell (0-1), G. Aylward. Subs: P Hartley for Murphy, M Malone for R Walsh, G Brennan (1-0) for A Walsh.

Referee - J Owens (Wexford). Tweet

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