Kilkenny 2-18 Dublin 0-18: Kilkenny had Martin Comerford's goal-scoring instincts to thank as they put down Dublin's rebellion in Croke Park. The All-Ireland champions were pushed all the way by Anthony Daly's side but ultimately had too much in reserve for Dublin.
Comerford netted both of Kilkenny’s goals, one in each half, but it was a far from comfortable afternoon in the capital for Brian Cody’s superstars.
For all their superiority on paper, Kilkenny had to contend with Dublin’s energy and work-rate and the early exchanges suggested hurling’s aristocracy were not going to be afforded an easy ride.
Michael Rice, Eddie Brennan, Henry Shefflin and Derek Lyng helped build an early lead but Dublin – through Alan McCrabbe and David Treacy – immediately set about reducing the arrears.
Just as they were gaining a foothold, however, Comerford brought them back down to earth. Pouncing on the loose ball, the Kilkenny man surged forward before kicking the sliotar beneath Dublin goalkeeper Gary Maguire.
With Dublin playing with an extra defender, Comerford was one of the few Kilkenny forwards to find space and he added a further three points in the opening period as the sides went into the break at 1-10 to 0-7.
Far from being overawed, Dublin kicked it up a gear after the break and, with McCrabbe in superb form, notched the opening three scores of the second half. Both sides then swapped scores before Comerford struck the decisive blow.
Sent clear through some clever play, this time Comerford flicked the sliotar over the advancing Maguire to re-establish the six point cushion.
Dublin refused to buckle, but with McCrabbe their only viable attacking threat on the day, lacked the cutting edge to get back on terms. Nevertheless, they will take great heart from this performance as they prepare for the All-Ireland quarter-finals.