Tipperary 3-11 Cork 0-13: Cork's bid for a grand slam of Munster hurling titles ended in great disappointment at Thurles last night when they were decisively beaten in the under-21 hurling final by Tipperary.

Two goals in two minutes at the end of the third quarter decided this match as a contest.

Tipperary substitute Dara Hickey, who made a huge impact after coming on, got the first in the 15th minute and, two minutes later, Ray McLoughney claimed a second off a long delivery by senior intercounty star Darragh Egan, touched on by Ritchie Ruth.

These put Tipperary into a commanding 3-9 to 0-9 lead, an advantage which a poor Cork forward line never threatened to overcome.

Yet, Cork had looked well-placed at the interval as they trailed by only four points after playing against the fresh breeze. Tipperary had dominated the first period, but erratic shooting - which included nine wides - had local fans fearing the worst.

The crucial moment for Tipperary during the opening period came in the 13th minute, when Egan - the home side's best player - robbed Cork full back Eoin Dillon and blazed the sliotar to the net.

This helped his side to an interval lead of 1-6 to 0-5.

Favourites, and holders, Cork were expected to lift their game after the break, but a dogged Tipperary defence held them at bay until the two goals arrived midway through the half, which signalled the end of the Cork bid - having already secured the senior, intermediate and minor crowns - for a Munster white-wash.

This was a win relished by Tipperary fans who had lost the three provincial finals to Cork already this year. However, last night in Thurles, Egan of Kildangan was the star of the show.

Cork never really got to grips with the game, and even midfielder Cathal Naughton - who turned the All-Ireland senior semi-final against Waterford so decisively in Cork's favour in Croke Park last Sunday evening - couldn't repeat the trick last night.

TIPPERARY: G Kennedy; P Stapleton, A Burns, C O'Brien; D Young, J B McCarthy, S Horan; J Woodlock (0-1), S Lillis (0-2); R O'Dwyer, N Teehan (0-1), D Sheppard; R Ruth (0-3), D Egan (1-4), R McLoughney (1-0). Sub: D Hickey (1-0) for Sheppard.

CORK: K O Halloran; C Murphy, E Dillon, E O'Sullivan; E Cadogan (0-2), S O'Neill (0-1), S Cronin; M Harrington (0-1), C Naughton (0-3); P Cronin (0-2), P O Brien, R Conway (0-1); M O'Sullivan (0-3), J Bowles, B Barry. Subs: G O'Mahoney for E O'Sullivan; K Canty for O'Brien; D Dwyer for S Cronin; D Dorris for Barry.

Referee: A Heagney (Clare).