Former All Stars Billy Fitzpatrick and Kevin Fennelly grabbed the goals that helped Kilkenny retain their All-Ireland Masters (over 40) hurling title after an exciting tussle at Thurles yesterday. In a lively first half, Tipperary made the early running, but they were rocked by a Billy Fitzpatrick goal after seven minutes. Tipperary hit back with a goal from a penalty by Seamus Burke in the 15th minute, but Kilkenny had an excellent opportunist goal from Kevin Fennelly in the 20th minute.

These goals against the breeze were crucial. Tipperary opened a lead of 1-7 to 2-3 by the interval, but Kilkenny stamped their authority on the encounter in the third quarter, shooting seven points to Tipperary's two. Tipperary made a big effort in the closing minutes but to no avail as Kilkenny held firm for a deserved win.

Kilkenny: B Shore; P Neary, M Fennelly, J Lennon; M Kennedy, J Ryan, M Walsh (0-1); G Fennelly (0-3), S Hennessy (0-1); D Coonan, D Walsh, R Power (0-2); K Brennan (0-1), B Fitzpatrick (1-0), K Fennelly (1-3). Subs: J Hennessey for M Kennedy; G Power for S Hennessy; JJ Cullen for D Walsh.

Tipperary: P McLoughney (0-1); J Stokes, L Keogh, G Stapleton; M Harrington, E Maher, M Stapleton; T McGrath (0-2), S Hennessey (0-1); K Fox (0-1), L Crampton (0-1), M McGrath; P Looby (0-1), T Stapleton, S Burke (1-2). Subs: G Ryan for M Stapleton; T Floyd (0-1) for T Stapleton; J Stone for Crampton; P Quinlan for I Maher; J Sullivan for Looby.

Referee: S McMahon (Clare).