In terms of fast and furious, the last Munster hurling final of the millennium - a rollercoaster under-21 decider at Ennis last night - delighted a bumper 15,000 crowd.

The free-for-all that followed the final whistle tended to spoil the party as Tipperary began to celebrate their 15th success in the competition. Waterford referee Michael Wadding had his hands full trying to control a match brimful of passion.

But the minor levels of aggression that at one stage boiled over nearing half-time did not compare with the one minute of madness that followed the sounding of the referee's final whistle.

Six gardai were clearly outnumbered and one substitute at least was seen to be escorted from the pitch.

Ambiguity reigned as to who had started it all. Some observers alleged that it was a Clare substitute and others claimed it was a Tipperary substitute.

However, the splendour and artistry of the previous 60 minutes won the day and saw a determined Tipperary side succeed in a scintillating second half.

Tipperary's success was largely secured on the back of an exhibition of free taking by their right wing forward Paddy O'Brien of Toomevara.

One of O'Brien's nine points was struck from fully 90 yards. The remainder were good range efforts to keep Tipperary ticking.

The Toomevara man, who has yet to play on the senior side, laid the foundations for Tipperary's win with six of those points in the first half.

The suspense filled second half saw the Kellys of Mullinahone, Paul and Eoin, a second half substitute, buttress Tipperary's bid with five points between them.

And Tipperary centre back John Carroll from Roscrea proceeded to give an exhibition that was badly needed following the uncertainty of the Tipperary defence in the first half.

It all looked like going sour for Tipperary in the last five minutes of that first half.

Corner back John Costelloe was booked after Clare corner forward Brian McMahon hit the deck.

A nasty brawl of swinging sticks and fists ensued.

When play resumed and McMahon was replaced by Tony Carmody, Clare with their danders up, went on the rampage to turn a three points deficit into a two points advantage all inside one minute's play with four minutes remaining to half-time.

Alan Markham blasted a 21-yard free, Sean Ryan clipped over a point and Markham again had a point all within the minute.

It meant that Tipperary, who had generally led thanks to O'Brien in that first half, trailed by 1-7 to 0-9 at half-time.

The second half opened in blistering style but it was surprising that Clare lined out in orthodox manner after they had utilised Sean Ryan so effectively as a third midfielder in that first half.

Substitute Carmody put Clare into a 1-9 to 0-10 lead within two minutes.

Ironically, O'Brien when he was so badly needed at this stage was wide with one of his long frees. Tipperary's challenge exploded in the 14th minute of the second half when Michael Kennedy, the right corner forward, sent a beautiful ball across to Declan Browne, the All-Star footballer who nipped inside Colm Forde to crack home a great goal and give Tipperary the lead which they never subsequently lost.

The match ended as light faded and one wonders was it a mistake to give the game a 6.45 start. The Clare challenge never faded though and their extremely fit side lasted the pace well to stretch the winners to the last ounce.

Tipperary manager, Gerry O'Brien felt that it was the best under-21 final ever played. He added: "Home advantage for Clare was worth at least four points. We dreaded coming down here."

Tipperary: D Young; T Costelloe, F Heaney, W Hickey; D Fahy, J Carroll, P Maher; M Ryan 0-1, R Flannery 0-1; P O'Brien 0-9, W Maher, P Kelly 0-3; M Kennedy, E O'Neill 0-2, D Browne 1-0. Substitutes: E Kelly 0-2 for Heaney (half-time) and J Teehan for W Maher and J Ferncombe for M Kennedy (48 mins).

Clare: G O'Connell; C Forde, K Kennedy, B Forde; B McMahon, J Reddan 0-1, G Malone; S Fitzpatrick 0-1, E Flannery; G Considine 0-1, G Quinn, A Markham 1-6; J Pyne 0-2, S Ryan 0-3, B McMahon. Substitutes: T Carmody 0-1 for McMahon (25 mins), P McKeogh for Quinn (52 mins).

Referee: M Wadding (Waterford).