Kilkenny 5-14 Tipperary 5-13
An injury time point from Henry Shefflin secured Kilkenny the narrowest of victories in a thrilling National Hurling League final at Croke Park this afternoon.
Kilkenny, beaten by today's opponents in the group stage last month, looked down and out when John Carroll goaled to put Tipp in front with a minute to play.
But Shefflin equalised with a close range free and then outfielded two defenders before closing in on goal to kick the winner under pressure.
Holders Kilkenny struggled in the opening exchanges but recorded the first of the game's 10 goals when Shefflin broke through on 12 minutes. But Tipp rallied strongly and Lar Corbett netted four minutes later.
Both sides traded scores in the lead up to the break but it was Tipperary who gained the upper hand when corner forward Eoin Kelly beat PJ Ryan in the Kilkenny net. Tipperary led 2-9 to 1-7 at half-time.
The crowd was treated to more high quality action after the break and they did not need to wait long for goal number four. John Carroll, trouble throughout for the Cats defence, netted 12 minutes into the half and Corbett added another to put Tipp eight points ahead.
Despite then narrowing the margin to two points, Kilkenny were left staring defeat in the face. With the clock and the title ticking away, manager Brian Cody introduced super sub Charlie Carter. His introduction spurred belief into the Kilkenny attack, none more so than Eddie Brennan who scored a tremendous goal and point inside the last five minutes to put Kilkenny ahead by two.
Tipperary, however, raised their game once again and their appetite for a scrap was clear for all to see. Carroll soon had Ryan picking the ball out of his net again - the powerful wing forward netting his second goal of the match.
But Shefflin had the final say after pulling the sides level with a close range free and then kicking over the match winner - deep in injury time - after outfielding and then racing clear of two Tipperary defenders.
Results:
NHL Division 1 Final
Kilkenny 5-14 Tipperary 5-13
NHL Division 2 Final
Antrim 3-18 Kerry 3-12
NHL Division 3 Final
Mayo 2-11 Sligo 2-6