Kilkenny run out of time

KILKENNY..1-15 DUBLIN...0-9:  In the end it came down to an injury-time free but things ran against champions Kilkenny and they waved goodbye to their title. At Nowlan Park yesterday, Kilkenny needed a 12-point winning margin because of the result in the Clare and Waterford game.

Three minutes into injury time Henry Shefflin's free came back off the crossbar. A follow-up effort from Tommy Walsh was blocked by the defence. "We won the match but lost the war," summed up manager Brian Cody.

Dublin withdrew Liam Ryan from attack and placed him at centre back. In the reshuffle regular centre back Conal Keaney played as a third central defender between Ryan and full back Stephen Perkins.

During the opening quarter the scores were level four times, the last time was in the 15th minute at 0-4 each. Shortly afterwards Shefflin put the home side in front and they led all the way from there. At half-time Kilkenny were on course for the necessary big score, although their lead was only 0-10 to 0-5.

While Kilkenny's John Hoyne was dismissed in the 43rd minute and Keith Wilson in the 70th minute the match was by no means unruly. Both got their marching orders after being shown two yellow cards.

When DJ Carey crashed home a goal from a twice-taken free in the 48th minute, the 3,000 or so home crowd sensed the required winning margin could be attained. At 1-12 to 0-6 Shefflin pointed a free and Kilkenny looked as if they might achieve their aim but Dublin hit back with two points from David Curtin.

"Our objective is to stay in Division One, and this performance would suggest we have the class to do so," said Dublin manager Humphrey Kelleher afterwards.

KILKENNY: J McGarry; M Phelan, N Hickey, M Kavanagh; S Dowling (0-1), P Barry, JJ Delaney; D Lyng, T Walsh (0-2); J Hoyne, H Shefflin (0-5, frees), C Phelan (0-1); E Brennan (0-1), M Comerford, DJ Carey (1-5, 1-4 frees, 1 65). Sub: J Coogan for C Phelan (64 mins).

DUBLIN: G Maguire; D Spain, S Perkins, S Daly; K Wilson, C Keaney, K Ryan; C Meehan, D Sweeney; D Curtin (0-7, 6 frees), R Fallon, A Glennon (0-1); S Mullen, K Flynn, L Ryan. Subs: S Hiney for Daly (34 mins); M Carton (0-1) for Mullen (h-t); M Breathnach for Keaney (48 mins); S Callinan for Glennon (63 mins).

Referee: S Whelan (Wexford).