Limerick cling on to title

There was no shortage of excitement and controversy at the Limerick Gaelic Grounds last evening as Mark Keane stole victory for Limerick with a last-gasp point from a controversial free to send them through to the All-Ireland under-21 hurling semi-finals in which they will meet Galway.

The game will be remembered for a dramatic second-half recovery by Tipperary, who had trailed by 10 points at the interval. Inspired by senior player Eoin Kelly, who finished with 2-9, they reduced Limerick's advantage to a solitary point with seven minutes remaining.

Two minutes from the end Lar Corbett went on a daring solo run which ended with him levelling the scores, to the dismay of the huge home support in the 18,000 attendance.

Everything pointed to a second meeting between the counties; but two minutes into injury time, Limerick were awarded a controversial free. After a delay as Tipperary disputed the award, Mark Keane showed nerves of steel in sending over the match-winner.

That point resulted in a dispute in the goalmouth area and referee Ger Harrington of Cork sent off a player from each side.

Limerick, with a smashing goal from Keane after only 90 seconds play, were very much masters in the opening period with Brian Geary, Stephen Lucey and Peter Lawlor their principal trump cards.

Tipperary, outplayed, relied on Eoin Kelly to keep them within reasonable distance; but they were punished for some slack marking when Seβn O'Connor carved an opening for Conor Fitzgerald to net Limerick's second goal on 17 minutes.

The score left the defending champions 2-6 to 0-5 in front, and they stretched their advantage to 2-11 to 0-7 at the break.

Tipperary were rejuvenated at the turnover with Brendan Dunne, Paul Curran and Lar Corbett leading their charge.

Limerick: T Houlihan; D Reale, B Carroll, K Bermingham; M O'Riordan, B Geary, W Walsh; S Lucey (0-1), P Lawlor; E Foley (0-1), S O'Connor (0-1), K Tobin (0-2); C Fitzgerald (1-2), N Moran, M Keane (2-7). Sub: M O'Brien for Walsh.

Tipperary: D Rabbitte; C Everard, J Devane, C Morrissey; D McGrath, P Curran, B Dunne; K Mulryan, E Brislane; D Shelley (0-1), D Gleeson, E Kelly (2-9); S Butler (0-3), L Corbett (0-2), P McGrath. Subs: P King for D McGrath; C Houlihan (0-1) for P McGrath; S Mason for Mulryan.

Referee: G Harrington (Cork).