Leinster ... 1-14 Ulster ... 2-9 A powerful display against the wind in the first half ultimately proved crucial in enabling holders Leinster to win the inter-provincial football title for the 26th time at Pearse Stadium yesterday.

The superiority of midfielders Ciarán McManus and Ciarán Whelan benefited Leinster hugely over the opening 20 minutes. Early scores from Adrian Sweeney and Diarmuid Marsden had given Ulster a promising start, but with little cohesion amongst their forwards, progress was minimal. Leinster combined much more effectively and a greater commitment saw them lead 0-3 to 0-2 after 11 minutes.

Captain Paul McGrane set up Sweeney for a well-taken Ulster goal in the 15th minute, but, surprisingly, it did not enhance their challenge appreciably. Scores from McManus, Dessie Dolan, and Paul Barden gave the holders the advantage and at the break, they were still in front, 0-7 to 1-3.

With Kieran McGeeney to the fore, Jim McGuinness winning good possession and Sweeney doing better inside, Ulster performed better after the interval.

Marsden and McGuinness both came close to getting goals, but after going a point in front (through McGuinness) in the 42nd minute, Ulster fell behind to a well-worked Ray Cosgrove goal.

Leinster forced the pace, but looked in trouble after substitute Thomas Freeman's 57th minute goal. And, they were lucky to hold on to a one-point lead before Cosgrove kicked the last score of the game from a free.

LEINSTER: E Murphy; B Lacey, P Christie, A Hoey; K Slattery (0-1), P Andrews, A Rainbow (0-1); C McManus (0-3), C Whelan (0-1); M Farrelly, P Barden (0-1), E Kelly (0-2); JP Rooney (0-1), R Cosgrove (1-2), D Dolan (0-1). Subs: T Gill for Rooney (ht); M Stanfield (0-1) for Farrelly (43); R O'Connell for Barden (53); T Kelly for Lacey (56).

ULSTER: S McGreevy; E McNulty, C Lawn, C Gormley; R McMenamin, K McGeeney, A McCann; P McGrane, J McGuinness (0-1); K Hughes, R Gallagher (0-1), M Hegarty; A Sweeney (1-3), R Clarke, D Marsden (0-3). Subs: L Doyle for McMenamin (26); T Freeman (1-0) for Sweeney (50; M Walsh (0-1) for Hegarty (52); P Reilly for Gallagher (56).

Referee: D Joyce (Galway).