Dublin lesson gave Cats fresh motivation

Knives sharpened, the critics emerged in their droves from the long grass.

Kilkenny hurling folk never took too kindly to defeat, but one of this nature was simply not acceptable. An 11-point whipping on home soil. Only 0-3 registered, two scorers over the hour and a single white flag raised from open play.

Granted, the Dubs have made massive strides as far as underage hurling is concerned in recent years, but such a hammering, particularly when played out on the turf of Nowlan Park, demands an explanation.