Munster U-21 final ends in controversy

Clare GAA supporters vented their fury at match officials at Cusack Park tonight as the Banner's quest for a first Munster U-21 hurling title ended in controversy.

A 64th-minute injury-time point from Pa Bourke secured a 19th crown for Tipperary on a 1-16 to 2-12 score-line in Ennis.

However, the decision of referee Jason O'Mahony to award a fourth-minute injury-time free to Tipperary instead of Clare, following consultation with his umpire, riled the Clare players and fans.

Limerick official O'Mahony had initially awarded a close range free at the opposite end to Clare, following a foul on centre-forward Nicky O'Connell on the 21-metre line.

However, the referee was called back to the opposite end by his umpire, who deemed that Clare goalkeeper Donal Tuohy had stepped outside the square, following a quickly taken puck-out in the lead-up to O'Connell winning his free.

Television replays later confirmed that Tuohy had put one foot outside the square, a practice that is quite common amongst goalkeepers when taking puck-outs.

A '65' was awarded. Tipperary free-taker Bourke stepped to take it and the senior panellist converted the match-winning score which dashed Clare's hopes.

The referee and officials had to be given a Garda escort off the pitch following the full-time whistle.

There was some verbal abuse towards the match officials, while a section of the Clare supporters also staged a sit down protest across the centre of the pitch.

Clare PRO Syl O'Connor confirmed after the game that a replay has not been considered by the Clare Co Board.

"It's not even up for discussion, there has been no talk of a replay," O'Connor said.

"The turning point was that Clare were awarded a free, which was subsequently overturned but the referee was only going by the letter of the law.

"The circumstances were completely outside of the control of both Clare and Tipperary."

It is of little consolation now but Clare will be back-boned by the majority of their players for next year's competition - only five of their current U-21s will be overage for the 2009 championship.