Kilkenny 0-21

Dublin 0-16

TWELVE MONTHS ON from their shock quarter-final defeat to Westmeath, Kilkenny booked their place in the Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U21 hurling semi-final tonight at Nowlan Park.

After the win an emotional Eddie Brennan spoke about the “hurt” Kilkenny endured after their early exit from the championship in 2016. This time around they were composed and never really looked like losing.

All-Ireland minor champions three years ago, Kilkenny gave a good display to confirm a semi-final showdown with Westmeath.

The Cats led by 0-9 to 0-7 after a cagey first-half but scores in the second period from Billy Ryan and Alan Murphy helped them to the five-point victory.

Richie Leahy was forced to miss the game through injury, but Kilkenny’s free-taker Alan Murphy was in good form and scored 0-8.

Dublin senior Rian McBride impressed for the travelling Dubs and finished with three points in Nowlan Park.

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