GAA hurling championship:Any hopes Anthony Daly and his Dublin side entertained of catching Kilkenny cold evaporated within 60 seconds in the white heat of Croke Park this afternoon as the defending champions strolled to a 4-19 to 0-12 win.
The All-Ireland kingpins, making their first appearance in this year’s championship, shook off some of the rust accumulated over the long winter months as Dublin were put away with consummate ease.
It was by no means a vintage Kilkenny performance, with plenty for the perfectionists to work on behind closed doors before a provincial final against Galway or Offaly, but the Cats won at a canter.
Brian Cody won’t have been pleased with the amount of wides, with Kilkenny reaching double figures before the half-time whistle sounded, but Dublin were unable to make that profligacy tell.
The writing was on the wall after just 50 seconds as Eddie Brennan opened proceedings with the first goal of the day. Fed by Ryan, Brennan got in behind the Dublin full-back line, shortened the hurley and finished expertly.
Dublin had already passed up one goal chance and Liam Rushe would miss another but, by-and-large, a Kilkenny defence marshalled by Tommy Walsh at his belligerent best was always on top.
The Dublin attacked laboured under the summer sun, with scores from their half-back line keeping them just about in touch, but Kilkenny moved up a gear after the break.
Gary Maguire, one of the few Dublin players to emerge from the contest with any real credit after a succession of fine saves, was finally beaten for a second time when Richie Power tore the Dublin defence and flicked impudently home.
Paul Ryan then missed a Dublin penalty but with Henry Shefflin, who would finish with 12 points of his own, keeping the scoreboard ticking over the game was already up.
Substitute Aidan Fogarty added a brace of goals to turn the screw as the final quarter was played out in a training ground atmosphere.
There will surely be plenty of tougher days for Kilkenny as they embark on their ‘Drive for Five’. But, with the sun beating down on their backs, the Cats are back doing what they do best.
Kilkenny have to wait to learn who they meet in the Leinster decider after Offaly held Galway to a 3-16 to 2-19 draw in today’s second match at GAA headquarters. Galway started well enough and led by 0-5 to 0-1 after 10 minutes but goals from Joe Brady, Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin swung the momentum in Offaly’s favour.
The Tribesmen hit back with two goals of their own after the break, Joe Canning and Ger Farragher on target but a late free from Dooley ensured the sides will have to meet again next Sunday.
In Munster, Limerick’s novices were put to the sword by a Cork outfit with serious designs on the bringing the Liam McCarthy back to Leeside.
Limerick, who remain without 24 of last year’s panel, made a bright start but lost Sean Herlihy's to a red card while Pat Horgan found the back of the net for Cork from a penalty. Niall McCarthy kept the Rebels going forward with five points while Paudie O’Sullivan, on as a substitute, added a second goal late on.
Sunday’s GAA results
Leinster Hurling Championship semi-finals
Galway 2-19 Offaly 3-16
Kilkenny 4-19 Dublin 0-12
Munster Hurling Championship semi-final
Cork 2-19 Limerick 0-12
Connacht Football Championship semi-final
Roscommon 1-13 Leitrim 0-11