Tipperary retain title

Munster U-21 hurling final/ Tipperary 1-16; Cork 1-13: Tipperary's young bloods ended a barren Munster campaign for the county when they defeated Cork by three points in an under-21 hurling thriller at Thurles yesterday.

Holders Tipperary had to pull out all the stops to retain their crown against a Cork side that was left to rue some poor finishing in the second half.

Cork suffered a setback before the start when senior star John Gardiner failed to line out due to a broken finger. His place went to PJ Copse.

In a low-key first half, Tipperary had more possession but did not take their chances.

In fact, Cork were ahead, seven points to six, when Tony Scroope finished off a great run by Pat Buckley with a Tipperary goal in the 20th minute.

However, Cork did not panic and got a great boost with a goal by captain Kieran Murphy after 32 minutes. Tipperary responded with points by Evan Sweeney and Scroope to lead 1-10 to 1-7 at halftime.

In the second half, Tipperary answered every Cork score with one of their own, and it was this determination which won the day as they absorbed Cork pressure in a hectic closing period.

It was a great win for Tipperary which owed much to Tony Scroope, Evan Sweeney, Pat Buckley, Diarmuid Fitzgerald and Hugh Moloney.

For Cork, Kevin Hartnett, Michael Naughton, Kieran Murphy and captain Kieran Murphy starred.

TIPPERARY: P McCormack; A Morrissey, C O'Mahoney, H Moloney; D Kennedy, D Fitzgerald, E Hanly; J Caesar (0-1), S Sweeney (0-2); P Buckley (0-2), F Devaney, M Farrell; W Ryan, T Scroope (1-6), E Sweeney (0-4). Subs: D Sheppard for Farrell; G Griffin for Caesar (0-1); R Ruth for W Ryan; D Morrissey for G Griffin.

CORK: M Coleman; J O'Mahoney, C O'Connor, K Goggan; S Murphy, K Hartnett, PJ Copse; M Naughton (0-3), K Murphy (0-2); B Barry (0-2), J Crowley, F Murphy (0-2); D O'Riordan, M Cussen, K Murphy (1-2). Subs: M Prout for Copse; M O'Sullivan for O'Riordan; J Bowles (0-2) for Cussen; D Dorris for F Murphy.

Referee: D Richardson (Limerick).