Favourites Tipperary had to withstand an excellent Meath comeback in the second half before booking their place in the All-Ireland intermediate hurling final.

Played before a disappointing attendance at Portlaoise on Saturday, the sides were level, 0-5 apiece, at the end of the first quarter before a Declan Corcoran goal helped Tipperary to lead 1-10 to 0-7 at the interval.

Nich Horan scored a great Meath goal 10 minutes into the second half and, when Neville Reilly struck for a second goal with 10 minutes remaining, the sides were level.

In the final five minutes, the experienced Declan Browne converted two Tipperary frees to give them an unimpressive victory.

TIPPERARY: S Butler; B Hogan, M Ryan, M Gleeson; D Hackett, C Bonnar, D Gleeson (0-1); S Maher, J Teehan; D O'Connor, C Morrissey (0-1), D Corcoran (1-3); R Killeen (0-1), P Maguire (0-2), D Browne (0-6). Sub: B Stritch for Bonnar.

MEATH: M Gannon; A O'Neill, T Duignan, M Mullen; T Reilly, D Murray, P Baker; P Donnelly (0-2), D Reilly (0-1); R Dorran, N Horan (1-3), N McKeigue; N Reilly (1-1), F McMahon (0-2), P Coone. Subs: M Cole for P Coone, D Donnelly for A O'Neill.

Referee: J A Gribben (Down).