Kilkenny 3-15 Tipperary 1-7
Two goals in the dying minutes of the first half cemented Kilkenny¿s path to victory in today¿s All-Ireland minor hurling final at Croke Park.
While neither side started with the intensity seen in their respective semi-finals, superb defending from both teams limited the scoring chances in the opening half.
Kilkenny's Richie Power and Tipperary's Willie Ryan, among others, traded scores from dead ball opportunities and the sides were level at six points apiece after 20 minutes of play.
But the game took a decisive turn in Kilkenny's favour just minutes from half-time.
Shane Coonan set off on a mesmerising run that left the Tipperary defenders spinning. He fed full forward Eoin Reid who buried the ball in the back of the Tipp net to leave the Cats three points up.
And before Tipperary had time to regain their composure, Kilkenny hit them hard again.
This time Reid turned provider and thumped a high ball into the area. James Fitzpatrick jumped with the Tipp `keeper and steered the ball goalbound with a slight flick of his hurl.
Kilkenny led by six points at the break on a scoreline of 2-6 to 0-6.
Tipperary emerged for the second half a beaten team and provided little opposition to their hungry opponents.
Corner forward Alan Healy set up Fitzpatrick for his second goal five minutes after the restart.
Tipperary found the net themselves nine minutes from time - David Morrissey hammering home in a goalmouth scramble - but Kilkenny were too far ahead to be troubled.