Tipperary put in a strong last quarter to claim the Munster minor hurling title at Thurles yesterday where they fully deserved their three-point win over Clare.

After a shaky start which saw them trail Clare by five points after 20 minutes, Tipperary settled, but they were never allowed relax by a determined Clare outfit who will be hoping to make amends in the All-Ireland series.

Clare made an impressive start and were 0-5 to 0-3 ahead by the 19th minute when full forward Brian Culbert punished a Tipperary defensive slip with a Clare goal.

Gradually Tipperary found their feet and finished the half well with four points without reply but still trailed 1-6 to 0-7 at the interval.

Clare got a great boost at the start of the second half when Rory Liddane netted after only two minutes. Tipperary kept their heads and had a Kevin Cummins goal in the 47th minute. Cummins levelled for Tipperary and then wing back Colm Ryan pointed three long-range frees to send Tipperary through to the All-Ireland semi-final.

Tipperary's delight at the win was evident. Most credit goes to Damian Young, Colm Ryan, Stephen Mason and Kevin Cummins, Eoin Kelly and, star of the show, Dermot Gleeson.

For Clare, Derek Quinn, Ronan O'Looney, Conor Plunkett, Rory Liddane, Gareth McPhillips and Rory Hogan did well.

TIPPERARY: D Young; C Everard, P Cullen, D Maher; C Ryan (0- 3), K Mulryan, L Kearney; S Mason (0-1), E Brislane (0-1); E Kelly (0-5), D Gleeson, D Shelley; K Cummins (1-3), C Houlihane, D McGrath. Subs: J O'Brien for Houlihane; T King for Kearney; E Ryan for McGrath.

CLARE: D Quinn; C Harrifon, R O'Looney, D Walsh; D McMahon, C Plunkett, P Fitzpatrick; R Hogan, A O'Brien; T Griffin (0-1), R Liddane (1-0), T Carmody (0-1); G McPhillips (0-3), B Culbert (1- 0), A Quinn (0-1). Subs: F Lynch (0-1) for Carmody; R Conlon for McMahon; D Fitzsimmons for Quinn.

Referee: G Harrington (Cork).