A DEFEAT a Week ago by Young Munster cost Garryowen the All-Ireland League title. Yesterday at Thomond Park, Garryowen had to carry the legacy of that 37-12 league defeat into the defence of the Munster Senior Cup against the same opponents. And yet again it was Young Munster who prevailed, but only just, and by the minimum margin, in a match fit to rank with the very best this great competition has produced as Young Munster won by 17 points to 16.

It was a match that had everything, with the decisive score - a penalty try - adding the element of controversy, as Garryowen were penalised for deliberately collapsing a scrum near their line six minutes from time.

Forced to make three changes in their side because of injuries sustained in the league tie, Garryowen were a team transformed. In the end defeat wash their portion yet again, but they defended the trophy in the very best traditions of their magnificent history.

It was an encounter that captivated the crowd of 6,000 as Young Munster came from 13-3 down with 16 minutes to go and 16-10 down with six minutes remaining to win a place in the semi-final and gain sweet revenge for their defeat in last season's final by Garryowen.

In the end it was that penalty try and conversion that decided the issue - Young Munster being awarded the penalty try by international referee Dave McHugh in the 74th minute as they laid siege to the Garryowen line.

Garryowen had been penalised initially for collapsing a scrum. Then came four scrums and Garryowen were again penalised for collapsing. Under severe pressure the Garryowen pack wheeled and then collapsed once more. This time the referee awarded the penalty try. Aidan O Halloran converted and Young Munster led 17-16.

But the drama was not over. Garryowen threw everything into a last assault and were awarded a penalty in the 79th minute. Kenny Smith, whose kicking feats have won so many matches for his side, was entrusted with the kick, but he kicked wide and Young Munster survived.

Last week the Young Munster pack destroyed Garryowen in the second half, this time the Garryowen pack was a unit of altogether greater substance. They did very well in the line out, rucked and mauled well and Young Munster needed all their resolution to edge with a fine united effort.

"We knew Garryowen would be a different team and they were. We were lucky to get out and get the win," said a relieved Young Munster coach Tony Grant.

Garryowen coach Johnny McDonnell was, understandably, very disappointed. "It was a Munster cup match in the very best traditions and I thought we were unlucky to lose it. I also thought the penalty try a very harsh decision. We had wheeled two of those scrums.

Young Munster took the lead when O'Halloran dropped a goal after 23 minutes, but with the "Garryowen pack in full cry they had Young Munster under immense pressure until half-time and deserved their interval lead of 8-3.

Mick Coughlan, who did very well in the line out, scored a try in the 37th minute and then, just on half-time, Killian Keane moved to outside half and dropped a great goal.

Garryowen still carried the match to Young Munster in the second half, and when Barry Everitt got a try in the 59th minute, Garryowen led 13-3. Smith hit the crossbar with his conversion attempt.

The try came after a good inside pass from Paul Murphy to Richard Wallace, he made ground and found Everitt in support. But the Young Munster rally came, with the initial inspiration from flanker Des Clohessy.

Clohessy brought his side back into the game when he made a tremendous run, beat two tackles, and set up a ruck almost under the Garryowen posts. Noel O'Meara forced his way over the line for a try which O'Halloran converted and Garryowen's lead had been reduced to 13-10.

But, almost immediately, Young Munster gave away penalty and Keane kicked a great goal from 40 yards on the left. It looked likely to be Garryowen's day but then came the final pulsating minutes, the penalty try and conversion and the last dramatic act, Smith's penalty attempt drifting wide.

Young Munster have been drawn against League champions Shannon in the semi-final of the Munster Senior Cup. The sides will meet at Thomond Park next Sunday with a 4pm kick off. Cork Constitution will meet Sunday's Well in the other semi-final at Musgrave Park next Sunday. (3.30). The 4pm kick off at Thomond Park is at the request of the Garda as the final of the National Hurling League also takes place in Limerick next Sunday and both grounds are in the same vicinity.