Kilkenny encountered few problems against Westmeath at Cusack Park this evening, advancing to the Leinster hurling championship final with a 1-23 to 1-9 winning scoreline.
Westmeath, who have yet to record a victory over the Cats at senior level, will have taken some heart from a goal on the stroke of half-time but even at that stage, Kilkenny were out of sight.
Leading 1-15 to 1-4 at the interval, Kilkenny's class and experience continued to pay rich dividends in the second period, notching another eight points, although the withdrawal of Martin Comerford with a wrist injury will have concerned manager Brian Cody.
Cody's side will meet the winners of tomorrow's clash between Wexford and Offaly in the Leinster decider.