Dublin stunned as Kilkenny snatch last-gasp win
The Dubs played with the benefit of a strong breeze in the opening half and after Conor Martin had spurned a presentable chance from a free for Kilkenny in the first minute, the visitors fell behind thanks to a long-distance strike by Paul Winters.
However, Dublin’s early control was soon punctured when Chris Bolger outfielded James Madden before firing an emphatic finish past Sean Brennan from six yards.
Although Dublin responded through a brace of scores by Treacy and a sublime sideline cut from Andrew Jamieson-Murphy, the fluidity of their attacking play was beginning to suffer as their opponents regained a foothold through a Conor Martin free and Liam Blanchfield’s tidy point.
Kilkenny trailed by 1-8 to 1-6 at the break but they had restored parity within two minutes of the restart following successive scores by Mansfield and Martin. However, Dublin responded impressively and they restored a three-point lead thanks to successive efforts by McGibb, Colm Cronin and Boland.
When Boland added an excellent second goal in the 42nd minute, it appeared that the hosts had done enough. However, Kilkenny remained in contention through goals by James Maher and Ciaran Ryan and although Dublin kept their noses in front for the large part, they were fatally wounded as Mansfield fortuitous 59th minute strike decided the encounter.
J Maher, M Mansfield 1-2 each, C Bolger 1-1, C Martin 0-4 (4f), C Ryan 1-0, L Hickey (f), L Blanchfield, W Brennan 0-1 each.
S Treacy (0-1f), C Boland 1-3 each, P Winters 0-4 (0-2f), F McGibb, O O’Rorke 0-2 each, AJ Murphy (0-1 sideline), C Cronin 0-1 apiece.
D Brennan; C Delaney, C Wallace, E Cody; J Cleere, D Cody, P Deegan; C Ryan, M Mansfield; C Ryan, W Brennan, L Blanchfield; L Hickey, C Martin, C Bolger. Subs: L Scanlon for Martin (44), E Morrissey for D Cody (46), T Phelan for Blanchfield (55).
S Brennan; J Madden, C O’Callaghan, S McClelland; E O’Donnell, S Barrett, C Mac Gabhann; J Malone, P Winters; C Cronin, F McGibb, C Boland; O’Rorke, S Treacy, AJ Murphy. Subs: R Murphy for Mac Gabhann (33), E McLaughlin for O’Donnell (36), C O’Neill for AJ Murphy (43), F O Riain Broin for Treacy (51).
Michael Murtagh (Westmeath)
