TIPPERARY CAPTURED THE Munster Minor Hurling Championship after outclassing Clare and winning the final clash 1-16 to 1-12.

Bobby Duggan opened the scoring for the Banner County with an early point but more was to follow after less than a minute when Shane O’Donnell scythed through the Tipp defence to drive in a goal.

Barry Heffernan and Stephen Cahill combined to reduce the arrears to a single point before O’Donnell stepped up and got what would be Clare’s last point for almost 20 first half minutes.

Tipperary’s John McGrath stepped up for his side next as he landed three successive points. Tipperary hit the front and were growing in confidence.

Points from Cahill again and a Mike McCarthy free extended their advantage and McGrath chipped in with another score from midfield.

Cahill further deflated the Clare supporters as he latched onto a breaking ball 10 yards from goal and slammed in a three-pointer.

Clare rallied briefly before half-time to claw their way back into the contest, thanks to a brace of points from Bobby Duggan.

There was further reason to hope of a fightback for Clare as two Niall Deasy scores bookended a point from Tadhg Gallagher score. Jamie Shanahan made it 1-07 to 1-11 after 36 minutes.

Duggan and Stephen O’Brien then traded points before Duggan zipped over a monster free to make it a three point game. Deasy chipped the lead away even further with a fine score.

Tipperary had a big opportunity to put the tie out of reach when they were awarded a penalty with 15 minutes on the clock. McGrath struck his shot just over but the gap of three was back.

Shanahan ensured there was a chink of daylight but Tipp landed three more in response as the task of a comeback became mountainous.

McGrath and Cahill will be delighted with their personal contributions to an impressive, winning effort for their side.

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