U21 final not to be replayed

The Dublin County Board have failed in their bid to have last week's Erin Leinster U21 hurling final replayed.

Kilkenny claimed a 2-18 to 2-10 victory over the Dubs last Thursday at Nowlan Park, but a contentious moment in the first half turned the game in the Cats' favour.

Dublin had midfielder Willie Lowry sent off in error by Meath referee Fergus Smyth.

The St. Vincent's man was dismissed in the 34th-minute on a first yellow card offence. With the ball under Austin Murphy's body, Lowry had gone in hard on the Kilkenny centre forward. At worst the challenge merited a yellow card, and that is what Lowry got.

But referee Smyth had a case of mistaken identity as he flashed a yellow and then red at Lowry who had not been previously booked.

The Dublin County Board lodged an objection to the result and sending off, and at tonight's hearing of the Leinster Council at Croke Park, Lowry had his red card rescinded.

However, Dublin County Board officials were informed that the error made by referee Smyth did not constitute grounds for awarding a refixture.

The win marked Kilkenny's fourth Leinster title at the grade in as many years, and their third defeat of Dublin in the U-21 final since 2003.