Munster Under-21 HC Final/ Cork 4-8 Tipperary 0-13: Cork completed a clean sweep of Munster hurling titles by adding the under-21 crown to their senior, intermediate and minor successes in a disappointing final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last evening.
Cork's victory also denied Tipperary a three-in-a-row at the grade and they are now level with their great rivals on 17 wins each.
Tipperary, who had first use of the strong wind after winning the toss, were only on level terms at the break, scoring nine points to Cork's 2-3, having replaced captain Francis Devanney after 20 minutes even though he didn't seem to be injured.
At the time the holders led by 0-6 to 1-1, Cork's goal coming three minutes earlier following a strong run and cross by Ronan Conway which Maurice Sullivan batted to the net.
Although Tipperary extended their lead with another impressive long-range point from right wing back Conor O'Brien seven minutes before the break, Cork responded with a second goal from the puck-out.
Michael Cussen's physique again caused problems for the defence and the alert Diarmuid Dorris picked up the breaking ball before rounding his marker to fire home.
Two further points from Stephen Sullivan and Dorris left the home side 2-3 to 0-7 clear before injury-time points by Tony Scroope and Wayne Cully restored parity.
Tipperary's precarious position was reflected in Cork's third goal just three minutes after the resumption. Maurice Sullivan again availed of Cussen's ball-winning ability in the air to score from close range to make it 3-3 to 0-10.
Although the visitors replied with points from Tommy Fitzgerald and Pat Shortt, cutting the deficit to the minimum after 40 minutes, Tipperary could only add one more score in the remaining period.
Excellent long-range points from Shane O'Neill and Brendan Barry increased Cork's advantage before a fortunate fourth goal finally killed off Tipperary's game challenge.
Kevin Hartnett struck a free from his own half-back line after O'Neill was fouled and the ball eluded goalkeeper Patrick McCormack, blinded by the sun, to extend Cork's lead to 4-7 to 0-12 with 11 minutes remaining.
CORK: A Nash; P Fitzgerald, captain, D McSweeney, E O'Sullivan; S O'Neill (0-1), K Hartnett (1-0 free), S Cronin; B Barry (0-1), PJ Copse; S O'Sullivan (0-1), M Naughton (0-1), R Conway; M O'Sullivan (2-2, 0-1 free), M Cussen, D Dorris (1-2). Subs: K Canty for S O'Sullivan (half-time), E Cadogan for Copse (39 mins), G O'Leary for Conway (55 mins), D Cunningham for Cronin (59 mins), B Coleman for Barry (59 mins).
TIPPERARY: P McCormack; J O'Dwyer, C O'Mahoney, B Hanley; C O'Brien (0-2 frees), N Teehan, T Collins; S McGrath, W Cully (0-2); T Fitzgerald (0-2), F Devanney, captain, D Egan (0-1 free); E Sweeney (0-1), T Scroope (0-3), P Shortt (0-1). Subs: R O'Dwyer (0-1) for Devanney (20 mins), M Treacy for J O'Dwyer (half-time), K Bergin for Cully (38 mins), W Ryan for Shortt (40 mins).
Referee: G Hoey (Clare).
