Tipp win Waterford Crystal Cup

Tipperary 1-21 Clare 2-12

Tipperary claimed their first Waterford Crystal Cup title since 2008 after a hard-earned win over Clare before 1,632 spectators at Sixmilebridge this afternoon.

Declan Ryan's charges led by 1-12 to 1-07 at half-time, but were forced to battle bravely in the second half against an eager Banner outfit.

An Aaron Cunningham goal gave Clare a 1-2 to 0-3 lead early on, but Tipperary responded in perfect fashion.

The visitors added 1-5 without reply with full-forward Brian O'Meara netting their only goal of the decider after 20 minutes.

The sides were evenly balanced before the break, with Tipperary taking a five-point advantage into the second half.

Wides proved costly for Clare on the restart, but the sides went point for point as the intensity increased.

A Daire Keane goal cut the gap to the minimum on a 2-11 to 1-15 scoreline with 18 minutes remaining.

However, Tipperary outscored the hosts by six points to one in the closing quarter, with Clare left to rue 16 wides at the full-time whistle as the Premier County inflicted a first defeat of the season on Davy Fitzgerald's side.

After the game Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins accepted the cup, on behalf of the victors, from Munster GAA Chairman Robert Frost.