MUNSTER U-21 HC FINAL - Tipperary 1-16 Clare 2-12:TIPPERARY claimed the Munster under-21 hurling title at Cusack Park, Ennis last evening in very controversial circumstances.

Having announced that there would be at least five minutes of additional time, referee Jason O'Mahony awarded Clare a free on the 20-metre line in the 61st minute with the sides level, (Clare 2-12, Tipperary 1-15). While Conor Tierney was lining up to take the free, the referee was called to the other end of the field by one of his umpires.

After some consultation he reversed his decision and awarded a 65 to Tipperary and corner forward Pa Bourke converted what proved to be the winning point. It was a bizarre ending to a tremendous match and a very aggrieved Clare following staged a long and noisy protest during the cup presentation ceremony.

Helped by goals from Caimin Morey and Colin Ryan, Clare led 2-6 to 0-7 at the break. Tipp hit back and after four good points by Pa Bourke (2), Shane Bourke and Séamus Callinan, the impressive Callinan added a goal in the 38th to level matters at 2-8 to 1-11.

Pa Bourke gave the visitors the lead for the first time in the 42nd minute. After the game the referee and his officials were escorted off the pitch by gardaí.

CLARE:D Tuohy, E Glynn, C Cooney (capt), C ODoherty, G OConnell, A Quilligan, J McInerney, D Browne (0-3, frees), N O'Connell (0-1), J Conlan (0-2), G Arthur (0-1), S Collins, D Honan (0-1), C Morey (1-4, four frees), C Ryan (1-0). Subs: C Tierney for Collins (44), P Kelly for O'Connell (47), N O'Connell for Morey (58),

TIPPERARY:M Ryan, M Cahill, Pádraig Maher, K Maher, K Lanigan (0-1), T Stapleton (0-1), B Maher, G Ryan, S Hennessy (0-1) Capt.), Patrick Maher T McGrath (0-1), S Callinan (1-5), P Bourke (0-6, two 65s, one free), M O'Meara, S Bourke (0-1). Subs: M Gleeson for G Ryan (half-time), J Mc Loughney for S Bourke (46), P Ivors for Gleeson (56), J Ryan for OMeara (63).

Referee:J O'Mahony (Limerick)