Having failed to shine in the competition in recent years, Kilkenny put in a deserving and spirited performance at Nowlan Park on Wednesday night overcome Dublin in the Bord Gais Energy Leinster U21 Hurling Championship quarter finals.
Alan Murphy’s free taking along with a five point haul from Billy Ryan helped the Cats first to a 0-9 to 0-7 half time lead before closing out the game 0-21 to 0-16.
Hard luck to our U21 Hurlers, a very tough match. Congratulations to @KilkennyCLG & good luck in the semis pic.twitter.com/bM5hzi9gO8
— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) May 31, 2017
Having lost out to Westmeath at the same stage last year, this was a must-win game for a Kilkenny side who need to improve their performances at U21 grade.
Despite being level a few times in the first half, Kilkenny held a seven point lead at one stage which was cut back to five points at the finish. It could have been narrower mind but for an outstanding save from Darren Brennan in injury time.
Skip to the 2 minute mark in the clip below to watch the save with Brennan at full stretch across the goal.
Watch GAANOW highlights of @KilkennyCLG's win tonight over @DubGAAOfficial in the @BGEGAA @gaaleinster Hurling Q-Finals ⬇️ #HurlingToTheCore pic.twitter.com/fUl7NWSOo6
— The GAA (@officialgaa) 31 May 2017
Kilkenny will now face Westmeath in the semi-finals in three weeks time, the midlands side needing extra time to get past Laois. A shot at redemption for Kilkenny? We’ll find out in three weeks time.
