The lead swung back and forth throughout the full 73 minutes of play but in the end, the Cats proved too much for Eamon O'Shea's men.
The game started well for Tipp as Shane McGrath put the first score of the game on the board for the Premier with a long range shot from the middle of the pitch in the 3rd minute.
This was followed by a great goal chance for Bonner Maher who was denied on the line, but just seconds later Noel McGrath pointed leaving Tipperary leading by 2 points to no score.
The Cats got on the scoreboard in the 8th minute with a point from a free….followed a couple of minutes later with another bringing the two sides level.
Kilkenny took the lead in the 11th minute but a free taken by Seamus Callinan brought the sides back level for the second time.
Tipperary consistently ran at the Kilkenny full back line a number of times but failed to find the back of the net with two shots from Callinan denied…however, in the 28th minute, following a great passage of play, a second point from Shane McGrath followed just seconds later by a stunning goal from Callinan meant Tipp were in the driving seat heading towards half time.
Tipp went into the break leading the Cats by 2 points…on a scoreline of 1-07 to 8 points and the momentum was high following a brilliant score, once again from Shane McGrath
Kilkenny had the better start to the second half, and only for the skill of Darren Gleeson, would have found the back of the net two minutes after the break
However, the game had turned in the Cat's favour and 2 points from both TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly meant Tipp trailed by 3 in the 46th minute…however Noel McGrath reduced that gap seconds later
A point from a placed ball brought the gap to the narrowest of margins…and some stunningly brave defending by James Barry, once again, meant Kilkenny were denied a goal.
Eoin Larkin stretched the lead for the Cats and then in the 56th minute, a foul in the square meant Tipp were awarded a penalty…which Seamie Callinan sent over the bar with ease.
However, Richie Power responded down the opposite end of the pitch less than two minutes later and scored a goal for Kilkenny…this was followed by a second goal from John Power in the 63rd minute….on the third time of trying after two stunning saves from Darren Gleeson bringing the score to 2-15 to 1-12
Kilkenny remained in the lead…but after points once again from John Bubbles O'Dwyer and a mammoth strike from Captain Brendan Maher…the gap was narrowed to 5….then in the 69th minute of ordinary time, Seamus Callinan rocketed the ball into the back of the Kilkenny net to keep the Premier in the game…
However, it was not to be….Tipp remained two down and after three minutes of additional time, the final whistle was blown….ending the Premier County's run in this year's championship.
The final score from Croke Park in the 2014 All Ireland Senior Hurling Final Replay: Kilkenny 2-17 Tipperary 2-14.
