Leinster MHC Final: The gulf in class between Kilkenny and the rest of the province was clearly evident yesterday at Croke Park as the defending minor All-Ireland champions claimed their third Leinster crown in a row.

Offaly were simply unable to trouble their opponents with nine of their points coming from the free-taking of Declan Cordial. However, the St Rynagh's youth was well marshalled by John Tennyson in open play.

Sheer determination from Stephen Delaney saw him get three points out of an airtight defence. But this lacklustre affair had an air of inevitability from midway through the opening half.

Just two points separating the sides at that stage. Then Kilkenny moved through the gears and struck five successive scores from Eoin Guinan (two), Maurice Nolan, James Fitzpatrick and Austin Murphy to leave them leading 0-11 to 0-6 at the interval.

Ritchie Power played the captain's role throughout and landed some magnificent long-range points, the pick of which came in the 48th minute from near the right touchline. It had added significance as it stopped a mini revival from Offaly via three Cordial frees.

Moments later, Guinan's fourth point stretched their lead to seven as a brave Offaly outfit was unable to prevent Kilkenny claiming their 47th Leinster title.

KILKENNY: C Grant, S Cadigan, J Tennyson, J Dalton, P O'Donovan, D Cody, D Prendergast, R Power (0-6, four frees), M Fennelly, J Fitzpatrick (0-2), A Murphy (0-2), C Healy (0-2), M Nolan (0-2), D McCormack, E Guinan, (0-4). Subs: D Fogarty for McCormack (49 mins), R Wall for A Murphy (53).

OFFALY: I Beavans, T Coughlan, P Cleary, C O'Meara, D Hoctor, N Ryan, A Rodgers, J Keane, D Hayden, G O'Grady (0-1), S Delaney (0-3), J Bergin, E Lee, D Cordial (0-9, nine frees), D Molloy. Subs: K Sadler for N Ryan (half-time), H Ryan for J Bergin (41 mins), C Carlon for D Molloy (50) E Bevans for G O'Grady (57).

Referee: A Stapleton (Laois).