Dublin's under-21 hurlers caused a major shock last night when they defeated Offaly by a clear nine points at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise, to progress to the Leinster final.

Dublin produced a devastating performance, laying the foundations for victory with two well-taken goals from David O'Callaghan and Shane O'Neill inside the opening quarter. After 20 minutes, they led 2-3 to 0-2.

Offaly fought back and scored two goals before half-time from Damian Murray and Rory Hannify to trail by just 2-5 to 2-2 at the interval.

However, on the changeover Dublin took complete control and a third goal from substitute Fergal Chambers ended the game as a contest.

Dublin's win was all the more remarkable given that the Offaly side included four of the senior team - Joe Brady, Stephen Brown, Hanniffy, and Brian Carroll - that started against Tipperary in the All-Ireland qualifiers last weekend.

Dublin will play Wexford, conquerers of Kilkenny, in the final.

DUBLIN: G Maguire; K Elliott, S Daly, P Leonan; D O'Reilly (0-1), S Hiney, P Kelly; S McCann, B O'Brien (0-1); C Keaney (0-3), S O'Neill (1-0), Paul Murray; D O'Callaghan (1-7), Paddy Murray, D Keane. Subs: G Joyce for S McCann, F Chambers (1-0) for D Keane.

OFFALY: S O'Connor; D Moran, K Brady, B Teehan; P McIntyre, J Brady, B O'Meara (0-1); D Tanner, S Brown; R Hannify (1-1), P Teehan (0-1), M Cordial; B Carroll (0-1), K Kelly, D Murray (1-2). Subs: C Dunne for Pat McIntyre, E Grimes for D Moran, D Hayden for P Teehan, M Leonard for Kelly.

Referee: Pat Neary (Kilkenny)

Dublin ... 3-12

Offaly ... 2-6