LEINSTER COLLEGES:SHARP-SHOOTING John Power was the man of the moment as St Kieran's College defended their Leinster Colleges' senior A hurling title.

Power, younger brother of Kilkenny All-Star Richie, grabbed 2-6 as the city side got the better of local rivals Castlecomer Community School for the second time this campaign in Nowlan Park yesterday.

Power had a hand in two late goals that helped swing the game his side’s way. Leading by just two points (1-6 to 0-7), Power boosted the Kieran’s lead when he gathered a pass from Diarmuid Cody and rifled it to the Comer net in the 50th minute. The duo exchanged roles 60 seconds later, Cody grabbing a third goal for the Saints that sealed their title.

A tense first quarter ended with Power grabbing the goal that gave Kieran’s a lead they wouldn’t lose. By the break his side were 1-5 to 0-3 up, Power scoring all but one of their points in the half.

Castlecomer upped their efforts in the second half, working their way back into the game thanks to Charles Dwyer. Trailing by two points with 10 minutes left, they looked good for a late charge, but were blitzed by those two goals.

Castlecomer, who had a late Dwyer penalty saved, will now move into the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

ST KIERAN'S COLLEGE:S Johnson, L Hickey, W Phelan, R O'Hanrahan, C O'Neill, P O'Carroll, E Morrissey, P Butler, C O'Shea, J Power (2-6, 0-6 frees), A Cleere, C Buckley (0-1), J Nolan, M Brennan, D Cody (1-0). Subs: R Reid for Nolan (23 mins), P Keneally for A Cleere (48 mins); T O'Hanrahan for Buckley (56 mins); M Donnelly for Reid (57 mins).

CASTLECOMER CS:D Breen, K Delaney, R Healy, N Callinan, R Kinsella, B Cahill, D Dunne, P Keating, D Moran, E Brennan, R Moran, C Dwyer (0-6, five frees), S Daly, B Brophy (0-1), L Maher. Subs: A Carron for R Moran (inj, 40 mins); E Bergin for B Brophy (45 mins).

Referee:P O'Dwyer (Carlow).