Winters inspires Dublin

Dublin 1-12 Kilkenny 0-10:FOR THE first time in seven years the Leinster minor hurling final will not have a Kilkenny connection.

On Saturday evening they bowed out in the semi-final to Dublin, who also denied them in last year’s final, and at no time did they seriously threaten the reigning champions.

In a very disappointing affair this game was fought out between two free-takers and for 40 minutes the only Kilkenny name on the scoresheet was Conor Martin who had posted seven points, two from play. Their eighth point came from substitute David Burke, one minute after his arrival.

Dublin had Paul Winters to thank as he posted three first-half points but he also scored a magnificent goal after 21 minutes into the opening half when his overhead flick gave the goalkeeper no chance and at the break the champions led 1-5 to 0-4.

On the resumption the challengers, aided by the stiff breeze, reduced the margin to two points after 42 minutes. But after that Dublin dominated with midfielder Cormac Costelloe, who contributed three excellent points, in great form.

Dublin will be concerned that Winters was their only forward to get on the scoresheet but defender Seán McClelland produced a stand-out performance and scored a magnificent point midway through the first half.

DUBLIN: C Mac Gabhann; S Barrett, C O’Callaghan, E Lowndes; E ODonnell, R Murphy, S McClelland (0-1); C Costelloe (0-3), C Cronin (0-1); C McHugh, S Treacy, C Conway; P Winters (1-7), C Boland, O ORourke. Subs: T Devlin for E Lowndes (49 mins), J Roche for C Boland (58 mins), C Bennett for C McHugh (59 mins).

KILKENNY: D Holohan; C Doyle, J McDowell, R Fitzpatrick; C Bolger, E Morrissey, J Maher; M Donnelly, K Walsh; C Ryan, D Cody, C Martin (0-8); K Kenny, E Bergin, S Donnelly (0-1). Subs: D Burke (0-1) for E Bergin (45 mins), M Mansfield for C Ryan (50 mins), J McGrath for K Kenny (54 mins).

Referee: Justin Heffernan (Wexford).