Premier County claim Munster glory as Cork’s five-in-a-row bid falls just short

TIPPERARY 1-15 CORK 3-8: Another giant step forward in the development of Tipperary football as Tommy Toomey’s young charges foiled Cork’s five-in-a-row bid to secure the county’s second Munster U21 title.

Tipperary, having fallen to Cork in the last two provincial deciders, exacted sweet revenge on their home turf to add to their maiden title secured back in 2010. Throw in the two Munster minor crowns and All-Ireland breakthrough win achieved since 2011 and it can’t be denied that the monopoly of the traditional powerhouses is slowly being eroded.

For the eight survivors of the defeated 2014 outfit, last night represented glorious redemption. For Ian Fahey, Steven O’Brien, Bill Maher and Jason Lonergan — all four involved in the 2013 final defeat as well — the tears of joy at the final whistle said it all.