Kilkenny first appeared in an All-Ireland U21 final in 1968 and won a first title in 1974.
Jim previously published a book on Tipperary County Senior Hurling Finals The Dan Breen Cup, 1931 to 2011.
He is a regular contributor to GAA match programmes and GAA yearbooks.
Jim goes write back to U21 finals
Walsh Park, Waterford.
Kilkenny 1-12, Tipperary 0-11
SOME 9,000 spectators watched a thrilling 1984 final in ideal conditions.
When the final whistle blew, the talk amongst spectators was of the brilliant display of Kilkenny goalkeeper David ‘Stoney’ Burke.
He kept his side in the game during the opening quarter when Tipperary was most dangerous.
Burke saved a penalty from Michael Scully and shortly afterwards foiled the same player after he had broken clean through.
In the 19th minute of the first half, he made a double save from close range flicks. Kilkenny led by 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval despite having the worst of matters territorially.
Kilkenny’s goal struck by Ray Heffernan from a penalty in the 5th minute was the crucial score.
In the second half, Kilkenny had established a definite superiority, but were unable to put distance between themselves and their tenacious opponents.
In the 54th minute, they were leading by 1-9 to 0-10 when Willie Peters of the Munster champions was put clean through.
The Tipp forward shot hard and accurately for what could have been the winning goal, but Burke dived full length to his right and his save averted the danger.
Apart from Burke’s display, another key factor in the Noresiders’ victory was the switch of Liam McCarthy to full forward after 20 minutes.
He scored four points from that position. Brian Young and David Hoyne were outstanding in the winners’ defence.
Tommy Phelan worked very hard at midfield and Pat Walsh at centre forward brought his forward colleagues into the game with intelligent play.
Overall what contributed immensely to Kilkenny’s victory was their first time hurling, the short flicked pass from the hurley and the palmed pass.
Ken Hogan was very sound in goal for the losers. Their defence as a whole was reasonably steady with Donal Kealy the most prominent player.
John Kennedy and his club mate, Joe Hayes, played well at midfield. Their attack faded after a promising start. They managed only one point from play during the second half.
Referee: Kevin Walsh, Limerick.
Kilkenny scorers; Ray Heffernan 1-4 (1-0pen, 0-3fs), Liam McCarthy 0-4, Denis Carroll 0-1, Pat Walsh 0-1, Pat Ryan 0-1, Michael Rafter 0-1.
Tipperary; Michael Scully 0-5 (0-3fs), Joe Hayes 0-2, David Fogarty 0-2, Anthony Waters 0-1, Donal Kealy 0-1(f).
Kilkenny: David Burke (Emeralds), Eddie Wall (Lisdowney), Eddie O’Connor (Glenmore), Brian Young (Erin’s Own), David Hoyne (Thomastown), Larry Cleere (Bennetsbridge), Liam Walsh (O’Loughlin’s), Tommy Phelan (Ballyhale Shamrocks), Ray Heffernan (Glenmore), Denis Carroll (Black & Whites), Pat Walsh (Windgap), John McDonald (Mullinavat), Liam McCarthy (Piltown), Richard McCarthy (Bennetsbridge), Seamus Delahunty (Mooncoin), captain.
Subs: Pat Ryan(Emeralds) for R. McCarthy. Michael Rafter (Emeralds) for Carroll. John Dunphy (Mullinavat), Michael Morrissey (Graignamanagh), Des Dunne (Danesfort), Tom Leahy (James Stephens), Anthony Prendergast (Clara), Pat Nolan (Black & Whites), Pat Barron (Glenmore), Eddie O’Neill (James Stephens), Jimmy Doran (Bennetsbridge).
Tipperary: Ken Hogan (Lorrha), John McKenna (Borrisokane), Eddie Hogan (Roscrea), Colm Bonnar (Cashel), Richard Stakelum (Borris-Ileigh), Donal Kealy (Roscrea), captain Jimmy Leahy (Moycarkey-Borris), John Kennedy (Clonoulty-Rossmore), Joe Hayes (Clonoulty-Rossmore), Aidan Ryan (Borris-Ileigh), Noel Sheehy (Silvermines), Philip Kenny (Borris-Ileigh), Michael Scully (Roscrea), Anthony Waters (Carrick Swans), David Fogarty (Moycarkey-Borris).
Subs: Willie Peters (St Mary’s, Clonmel) for Kenny. Michael Cunningham( Emly) for Scully
