Munster IHC Final: Holders Cork survived a late Tipperary surge to win their third successive Munster intermediate hurling title in Thurles last evening.
The visitors opened brightly and, helped by a Kevin Hartnett goal after 12 minutes, went 1-5 to 0-1 clear. Tipperary settled but Cork were still in front at the break by 1-9 to 0-8.
Stephen Dineen's goal in the 47th minute had Cork 2-15 to 0-9 clear but Tipperary rallied with goals from Ronan O'Brien, from a 55th minute penalty, and Aidan Fitzgerald two minutes later to cut the lead to four points.
Cork held their nerve and two Maurice O'Sullivan points left them six points clear at the finish.
CORK: S Barry; B Coleman, W Twomey, S O'Neill; J Hughes (0-1), S O'Leary, V Hurley; S Dineen (1-2), K Hartnett (1-0); S Kearney (0-2), K Morrison (0-1), R O'Dwyer; M O'Sullivan, K Canty (0-1), D O'Riordan. Subs: K Hurley for Hurley, M Fitzgerald (0-10) for Dineen;
TIPPERARY: A Cooney; J Moran, B Lawlor, M Phelan; C O'Brien, E Ryan, C Everard; S McGrath (0-1), B Hogan; S Stapleton (0-2), T Slevin (0-1), A Fitzgerald (1-1); S Everard (0-1), P Lawlor (0-4), R O'Brien (1-1). Subs: T Connors for Hogan, N Teehan for Phelan, W Keogh for Lawlor.
Referee: D Richardson (Limerick).
