The home side had to come from behind twice to get the better of their Edinburgh rivals last night but, after getting his team back on level terms twice in the first half, Byrne fired home a last-minute winner to seal the silverware.
Hibs' victory
evens up the score between the two sides since the trophy was brought out of abeyance in 2004.
Hearts won the shield that year, and since then the title has alternated back and forth between the two clubs.
Last night's game was actually the tie held over from last season, so it may not be too long before Hearts have the opportunity to reclaim the shield, and Hibs the chance to defend it.
Fans in attendance last night will also be looking forward to a prompt rematch, so long as it comes close to matching the frenetic opening 20 minutes of last night's match. Hearts took the lead barely two minutes after kick-off.
Making their first foray into the Hibs half, Jonathan Stewart was fed the ball out on the right wing. He sent in a cross to the near post, which was misjudged by goalkeeper Flynn, who allowed the ball to continue on its path into the net.
Despite the early setback, Hibs were positive going forward, and found an equaliser in the 15th minute. Deane and Cropley worked the ball between them in front of the Hearts area, before the latter threaded the ball through to Byrne, who shrugged off his marker and beat the keeper from eight yards.
Two minutes later, though, Hearts were back in front. Ryan Wallace found himself in plenty of room on the edge of the box after getting the ball from Mackle and sent the ball underneath Flynn and into the net.
It didn't take Hibs long to get back on level terms for a second time. Twenty two minutes were on the clock when an excellent ball from Currie set up Byrne, who in turn finished well by lifting the ball over Ridgers.
With four good goals already scored, the cup final still delicately poised, and with only a quarter of the game played, the crowd at Easter Road were being treated to a match which was entertaining throughout. The teams, both composed largely of under-19 players, impressed with their open play and ability to pass the ball. The referee also played his part, allowing the game to flow freely as the action moved from one end to another. The second half eased down slightly in terms of pace, but neither club were shy to look for a winner.
Cropley missed a good chance in the 70th minute after dragging his shot wide from short range.
Currie then whipped a cross in from the left wing in the 83rd minute with the ball speeding across the six-yard line. Had a green-shirted player got a touch on the cross, a goal would surely have resulted.
Hibs maybe had more clear-cut chances to win the game in the second half, although Hearts created some decent chances down the right wing through Wallace, only for the Hibs' defence to snuff out the final delivery.
The visitors were also forced into making two substitutions due to injury.
As the clock ticked on towards 90 it looked as though extra time was looming. But, with just sixty seconds remaining, Byrne fired home from ten yards to complete his hat-trick and capture the win for Hibs.
The presentation of the trophy was made by John Greenhorn, secretary of the East of Scotland Football Association, which organises the competition.
Hibs: Flynn, Russell, Booth, Wotherspoon (Bell 62) Welsh, Hanlon, Johnston (Kelly 80) Dean, Byrne, Currie, Cropley.
Subs not used: Grof, Welch, Smith.
Hearts: Ridgers, Stewart, Devine (Cowan 76) Taylor, Rapnik, Mackle, Mulrooney, Mearns, McGowan, Wallace, Husband.
Subs not used: Banks, Wood, Love, McCallion.
The full article contains 680 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
