Munster were forced to live on their nerves during a tense and exciting closing quarter, but they eventually docked in safety to claim their first Railway Cup hurling title since 1997 at Nowlan Park yesterday.

Ten minutes from the end, the outcome seemed a formality as easy-going Munster led by 3-13 to 0-14. But two goals for Leinster in three minutes, the first from Henry Shefflin and the second from Charlie Carter, blew the game wide open. A pointed free from D J Carey left the minimum between the sides with five of the 70 minutes remaining.

Although Leinster missed two chances to draw level, the victors had their sights well trained and late points from Cork duo Jo Deane and Sean McGrath gave them a merited victory.

Leinster had the better of things for most of the opening half until goals from Deane and McGrath gave Munster a 2-9 to 0-9 interval lead.

MUNSTER: B Cummins; F Ryan, D O'Sullivan, B Lohan; J Carroll, O Moran, E Corcoran; P Queally, J Leahy (0-2, one 65); A Markham (0-1), A Browne (0-3), B O'Meara (0-2); S McGrath (2-1), P Flynn (0-1), J Deane (1-4, two frees). Subs: TJ Ryan (0-1) for Markham (48 mins), D Barrett for Queally (65 mins), D Forde for Flynn (65 mins).

LEINSTER: J McGarry; M Kavanagh, K Kinahan, W O'Connor; B Whelahan (0-2, one 65, one free), L Dunne, P Barry; A [R O] Comerford (0-1), A Fenlon (0-1); G Hanniffy, J Power, N Horan; C Carter (1-7), DJ Carey (0-4, three frees), H Shefflin (1-0). Subs: E Kennedy for Dunne (36 mins), L Murphy for Horan (36 mins), P Larkin for Fenlon (55 mins).

Referee: J McClean (Antrim).