Cats steal NHL title in dying seconds

Kilkenny 5-14 Tipperary 5-13

Kilkenny retained their National League title against Tipperary today, and both sides sent a warning to their Championship challengers in a pulsating contest at Croke Park.

In a 10-goal thriller, an injury-time point from Hurler of the Year Henry Shefflin sent the title the Cats way for the second year running.

Kilkenny introduced captain Charlie Carter, and his double-strike in as many minutes injected life into the Cats and pulled them to within two points.

Tipperary dominated the opening exchanges and despite Kilkenny getting first blood with a Shefflin goal after 12 minutes, the Premier County roared ahead after Lar Corbett found the net four minutes later.

A second goal, this time by Eoin Kelly, saw Tipp lead by 2-09 to 1-07 at the change of ends.

John Carroll netted Tipp's third in the 47th minute after a fine solo run by Eoin Brislane. A second Corbett goal 10 minutes later saw Tipp leading 4-13 to 2-11, after Liam Cahill and Martin Comerford had exchanged points. Tipp's half-back line were on top and Kilkenny needed to make changes.

Enter Charlie Carter. Two goals in as many minutes turned the game on its head, and brought Kilkenny to within two points.

Another Kilkenny goal - this time for Eddie Brennan - saw Kilkenny lead 5-11 to 4-13 with four minutes to go. The corner-forward tacked on a point to stretch Kilkenny's lead to two.

However, John Carroll stepped up to score his second goal of the afternoon in the final minute to see Tipp lead by one - 5-13 to 5-12.

Shefflin put over a free to equalise and then kicked over a point in added time to seal the win for the Cats - who like Tipperary - were breath-taking at times.

On this evidence, it's little wonder both are hot favourites to contest the All-Ireland final in September.