Shefflin inspires Cats to rousing victory

Kilkenny 4-22, Dublin 0-8

Former Hurler of the Year Henry Shefflin hit a stunning 2-8 as Kilkenny got their back door battle off to an impressive start at Dr Cullen Park.

Dublin were never in with a chance with some bookies giving them a 200/1 odds of winning at the Carlow venue.

In truth they odds were spot on and Kilkenny ran the Dubs ragged with an impressive 2-9 to Dublin's 0-5 in the first-half alone.

Shefflin swooped for both of the first-half goals after three and 22 minutes and Dublin only managed a solitary score in the entire first-half from Sean O'Shea.

The Dubs needed something, anything to go their way but without their suspended star man, Conal Keaney all they got was a kick in the teeth.

Straight after the restart Eddie Brennan hit a quick point and DJ Carey scored three more to get the seocnd-half rout underway.

There were more points from James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, Shefflin and John Maher, a sub for Carey who felt a slight hamstring strain, to seal the deal.

Even at that there was still time for Brennan and Jimmy Coogan to hit late goals and seal an all too easy Kilkenny win.