Kilkenny 2-20 Dublin 1-19
Dublin u-21 hurlers failed in their bid to win the Leinster u-21 hurling title they last held in 2007 when they were defeated by current champions, Kilkenny, in Parnell Park on a scoreline of 2-20 to 1-19. Kilkenny started the game in a determined mood and were 1-3 to 0-1 ahead after five minutes, the goal coming from John Joe Farrell. A further point for the Cats by Ritchie Hogan was cancelled out by a ’65’ from Dubs captain Simon Lambert.
This score seemed to settle the Dublin nerves and they upped the tempo of the game. Liam Rushe was gaining good possession in at full forward and points from David Treacy, Peter Kelly and another by Lambert brought them right back into the game.
A Ritchie Hogan free was followed by points from Lambert and Conor Clinton for Dublin. A further point from Rushe narrowed the gap to three points, but Mark Bergin then pounced for two impressive points for the Cats. The half-time score was 1-12 to 0-8.
Dublin started the second period well and within fifteen minutes had reduced the deficit to three points after Peter Kelly scored a goal following great approach work from Liam Rushe and points from Barry O Rourke and Paul Garbutt. However, just when it appeared that the Dubs would get on top, Farrell struck for his second goal for Kilkenny. Although points from Lambert and Conor Clinton reduced the deficit, time ran out for the Dubs and Kilkenny retained the u-21 title for another year.
Scorers — Kilkenny: JJ Farrell 2-2, R Hogan 0-5 (0-4f), J Mulhall,M Bergin 0-4 each,J Nolan, L Ryan 0-2 each, M Kelly 0-1. Dublin: P Kelly 1-4, S Lambert 0-4 (0-2 ’65’, 0-1f), D Tracey 0-3 (0-2f), C Clinton, L Rushe, B O’Rorke 0-2 each, P Garbutt (f), M May 0-1 each.
