Champions matched by Dublin's new resolve

NHL Division One/ Dublin 2-13 Kilkenny 0-19: Dublin's hurling spirit soared at Parnell Park yesterday. Matching sticks with the reigning All-Ireland and league champions will do wonders for the craft in the city.

Most people were wondering how much Kilkenny would win this contest by. In the end, they were hanging on to get the draw. High drama in down-town Donnycarney, and a match to cheer up the grey climate.

Kilkenny chief, Brian Cody, was among the first to salute them. "I have no problem with the result. Dublin deserved it," he declared.

Dublin midfielder John McCaffrey said the side have never been as united. "That display underlined the character that's in this team. And I think the skiing trip we went on after Christmas has a lot to do with it."

The hosts were unlucky to trail by 0-13 to 1-4 at half-time. "In the dressingroom we said that we'd keep going and, thankfully, we came through in the end," added McCaffrey.

He and his team-mates were cheered off the pitch, but their manager Tommy Naughton kept his feet on the ground.

"The next game against Antrim is the important one now," insisted Naughton. "It was a good result today, but it's only significant if we can build on it against Antrim."

Naughton had to shuffle the pre-match cards as the experienced Kevin Ryan was ruled out. Into the full back slot came Stephen Hiney, with the stylish Derek O'Reilly taking on the left half back slot. The visitors also had selection problems. Richie Power was out injured and into his place came Derek Lyng.

Dublin's neat stick work and short hand-passing was an impressive feature of their play.

They were boosted by a goal at the Killester end in the seventh minute. Derek O'Reilly's long delivery from the left brought a deft touch to the basket from John Kelly.

Dublin were working hard and using the ball well, but Eoin Larkin, Eddie Brennan and Willie O'Dwyer were still able to pick off scores for Kilkenny.

The home side almost produced a second goal on 18 minutes, a chance that was superbly created by Pádraig O'Driscoll. He won possession wide on the left and his centre produced a rasping drive from Kevin Flynn that brought a marvellous full-length save from PJ Ryan.

The hosts were level on 25 minutes courtesy of a sideline from the right by McCaffrey. But then six quick points on the bounce had Kilkenny enjoying a half-time lead.

Kilkenny were sent seven points clear in the 48th minute, and victory looked in the bag. Yet, four minutes earlier, Kevin O'Reilly was called from the home bench and he was to play a leading role on the sweetest of days for the capital's hurling community.

The Lucan lad sent over a charming point from play before converting a free. Two excellent Kevin Flynn points also helped the Dublin charge, and Flynn was involved in the critical moment on 69 minutes.

Liam Ryan played the sliotar in to the left of the posts where Flynn was fouled. Kevin O'Reilly's resulting penalty hit the net. One point in it now, in Kilkenny's favour.

Two minutes into injury-time, Kevin O'Reilly's free brought equality.

The match rumbled on and efforts from Larkin and Martin Comerford drifted wide. But nobody was going to deny a determined Dublin. "I have been saying it for a while. This is a good Dublin side and they have potential," added Cody.

DUBLIN: G Maguire; P Brennan, S Hiney, T Brady; M Carton, R Fallon, D O'Reilly; J Boland, J McCaffrey (0-3, one sideline); K Dunne, D Qualter, D Curtin (0-3, one 65, two frees); J Kelly (1-1), P O'Driscoll, K Flynn (0-2). Subs: K O'Reilly (1-3, 1-0 pen, 0-2 frees)for Kelly (44 mins), L Ryan (0-1)for Curtin (52 mins), G O'Meara for Brennan (55 mins), E Moran for Qualter (57 mins).

KILKENNY: PJ Ryan; C Hickey, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; JJ Delaney, B Hogan, T Walsh; M Rice, E Larkin (0-6, five frees); E Brennan (0-6), W O'Dwyer (0-3), D Lyng; E McCormack (0-2), M Comerford (0-1), A Fogarty (0-1). Subs:R Mullally for Rice (half-time); M Murphy for McCormack (49 mins).

Referee: J McGrath(Westmeath).