Proud Hoban hails bench as Cats finish with a flourish

Leinster MHC final: Kilkenny 1-17 Dublin 1-15

Kilkenny produced a storming final five minutes to retain their provincial title when beating Dublin by 1-17 to 1-15 in their absorbing Electric Ireland Leinster MHC final at Croke Park yesterday.

The holders looked in trouble as they fell two points behind in the 57th minute but their ability and composure in the closing stages proved crucial as they struck four unanswered points to confirm their 55th success at this grade.