Cats hold off Dublin’s final charge

ANOTHER Leinster senior hurling title for Kilkenny, their 10th under manager Brian Cody, their 11th in the last 12 years, but contrary to so many predictions, and unlike so many other Leinster finals in recent seasons, this was not a damp squib – anything but.

Dublin were strong yesterday, played with considerable intelligence, stayed within touching distance of the current All-Ireland champions for the full 70 minutes. Two goals separated the sides at the end, two pieces of individual brilliance from an unusual source for Kilkenny – Martin Comerford, unselfish provider turned ace finisher – and there is no arguing with the final result.

But, while Dublin lost their chance at glory, they won considerable respect for a display worthy of any occasion.