Power turns it on for Kilkenny

Kilkenny 0-15 Cork 2-8

Power, son of the former star of the same name, was in magnificent form as this highly-rated Kilkenny side deservedly took the spoils. However, they’ll be the first to admit it was by no means a vintage performance and a big improvement will be needed if they are to retain their title.

Clearly the better hurlers, it took the Leinster champions a long time to wear down a dogged Cork side who battled bravely. But, in the end, they had to give best to a slicker Kilkenny side who, apart from Power, had excellent players in Donncha Cody, John Dalton and John Tennyson.