Kilkenny …………… 2-17
Tipperary ………….. 1-16

Revenge was sweet for Kilkenny as Croke Park as Cody’s Cats won an epic All-Ireland hurling final.

A year after Tipp ended Kilkenny’s drive for five consecutive titles, the boot was on the other foot.

The McCarthy Cup is on its way back to the home of the Black and Amber after a last minute point from Eoin Larkin guaranteed this four point win.

It was a deserved victory for the Cats on a day when defender Tommy Walsh typified their determination to regain hurling’s top trophy.

That much was evident throughout. Kilkenny started like an express train and played with a real intent from the first minute to last as they looked to avenge last year’s defeat.

The Cats were already five points to the good before Noel McGrath opened Tipperary’s account in the 16th minute.

By half-time, Brian Cody’s side had marked their ascendancy with a brilliantly taken goal from midfielder Michael Fennelly to help them to a 1-8 to 0-6 lead.

A near 82,000 strong crowd then saw the Leinster champions stretch their lead with a sensational second goal as Richie Hogan finished an Eddie Brennan pass to the net in the 49th minute.

Tipperary did live up to their billing as defending champions when they fought back to within three points on more than one occasion in the final 20 minutes.

Lar Corbett sent Pa Bourke in for a Tipperary goal in the 56th minute to set up a grandstand finish but Kilkenny’s golden oldies held on for a famous win.