Defiant Dubs claw back Cats

Dublin 2-13 Kilkenny 0-19

Four points in arrears with full time looming, Dublin pulled off a real sensation, thanks to the heroics of inspirational substitute Kevin O’Reilly. In a stunning reversal of fortune, which left Kilkenny reeling, O’Reilly first fired home a goal from the penalty spot and then sent over the equalising point from a 40 metre free at the death.

It was a terrific achievement by Dublin to earn a share of the spoils because in the opening sequence Kilkenny, despite the absences of Henry Shefflin and James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, had threatened to overwhelm the home side.