The All-Ireland champions progressed as expected to next month's Leinster decider following this decisive semi-final win at Parnell Park last night.

Dublin were without the influential Shane Martin and as a result were forced to reshuffle their forward line. And by the end, the team was very much in disarray.

Dublin had begun promisingly with fine scores from corner forward Damien Russell leaving them just two points in arrears at the break. Kilkenny, despite an abundance of wides in the second half, began to pull away from their opponents with back to back scores from Alan Barry seeing them 0-11 to 0-5 in front.

Dublin finally managed to reopen their account with 10 minutes to go after a fine sideline cut from Russell.

Dublin: E Curley; K Ryan, M Breathnach (1-0), C McCaffrey; R Potts, A De Paor, J Cullen; R Brennan, D Henry (0-1); F Armstrong, E Dunne, D Donnelly; C Daly (0-2, 2 frees), M Thompson, D Russell (0-3, one sideline). Replacements: R Redmond for Thompson halftime, J Lawlor for Daly (35 mins), B McGowan for Dunne (55 mins), M Kirwan for Redmond (55 mins).

Kilkenny: J Power; P Shefflin, N Hickey, M Kavanagh; A Cummins, M Hoyne, C Herity; J P Corcoran (0-4), K Moore (0-1); A Barry (1-2), T Drennan (0-1), K Power 0-3 (one 65'); P Buggy, H Shefflin 0-6 (3 frees), J Barron. Replacements: E Walsh for Barron (50 mins), B Phelan for Buggy.

Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).