Business as usual for Cats

SPRINGTIME in Kilkenny and the Cats are back on the field. One week later than planned, given the postponement of last week’s game with Cork, but otherwise it’s normal service resumed, as they beat Dublin a one-sided League encounter not likely to linger in the memory.

They had far too much craft for Dublin in sunny Nowlan Park yesterday, and the crowd of 3,500 had young Richie Hogan to admire — another one of those nuggety Kilkenny corner-forwards whose quick footwork and tight control may be given free rein on warmer days to come.

Dublin’s defensive discipline was good — Kilkenny only won their first scoreable free after 26 minutes — but there was a feeling of inevitability about the All-Ireland champions’ goal five minutes before the break. TJ Reid made the break on the right before feeding Hogan, whose finish was neat. With Eddie Brennan running riot with five points from play, Kilkenny were 1-12 to 0-7 up at the half.