Kilkenny impress as they see off Dublin to win Leinster under-20 title

Kilkenny are the Leinster Under 20 champions for a first time since 2022 after the Cats claimed a 10 point success over Dublin in Portlaoise this evening.

First half goals from Rory Glynn and Aaron McEvoy laid the platform for Mark Dowling's men and with Dublin wing back Fionn Murphy sent off at the start of the second half, Kilkenny always the initiative in an impressive attacing display.

As well as Glynn and McEvoy, there was also decent displays from Michael Brennan and Ed Lauhoff while the defence very much restricted Dublin forward threat with corner back Ivan Bolger picking up the man of the match award.

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After a nervy beginning from both sides, Kilkenny took early control when Rory Glynn's well take 5th minute goal gave his side a 1-1 to 0-0 advantage.

Dublin worked their way back into the contest but a second Kilkenny major via Aaron McEvoy had the Noresiders in almost complete control.

The teams then went tit for tat for the rest of the half until Kilkenny went into the break with a 2-9 to 0-9 lead.

Any hope of a Dublin comeback was crushed within seconds of the resumption after Fionn Murphy was given a second bookable offence for a high tackle on Jeff Neary.

Dublin would get no nearer than six points over the course of the rest of the game with Darragh Vereker, Ed McDermott, Tom McPhillips, Ed Lauhoff and Michael Brennan al pointing for the Cats as they eventually won out on a 2-21 to 0-17 scoreline.

The victory also seals Kilkenny's place in the All-Ireland Final with Tipperary now awaiting them in the decider on Saturday week.

Teams and Scorers

Kilkenny: Michael Brennan (0-8, 0-5f, 0-1 65), Rory Glynn (1-2), Aaron McEvoy (1-1), Ed Lauhoff (0-4), Darragh Vereker, Tom McPhillips (0-2 each), Ed McDermott, Anthony Ireland Wall (0-1 each)

Dublin: Senan Crosbie (0-4, 0-1f), Daniel O'Kelly (0-4, 0-4f), Ollie Gaffney (0-3, 3f), Conal O Riain, Callum Graham (0-2 each), Joey Kinnane, Brendan Kenny (0-1 each)

Kilkenny: Stephen Manogue (James Stephens); Ivan Bolger (Graignamanagh), Rory Garrett (Fenians), Darragh Vereker (Glenmore); Eoghan Lyng (Rower Inistioge), Jeff Neary (Graigue Ballycallan), Cathal Hickey (St Lachtain's); Tom McPhillips (Dicksboro), Sean Bergin (James Stephens); Ed Lauhoff (James Stephens), Aaron McEvoy (Graigue Ballycallan), Eoin Brennan (Erin's Own); Ed McDermott (James Stephens), Marty Murphy (Tullogher Rosbercon), Rory Glynn (Clara).

Subs: Jack Dollard (Glenmore) for Bergin h-t, Anthony Ireland Wall (Danesfort) for McDermott 48 mins, Michael Ahern (Emeralds) for Garrett 52 mins, Greg Kelly (O'Loughlin Gaels) for Murphy 55 mins, James Hughes (Bennettsbridge) for Glynn 61 mins.

Dublin: Daniel Joyce; Conor Groarke, David Lucey, Joe Sheppard; Killian Costello, Ben Lynch, Brendan Kenny; Cathal Kennedy, Fionn Murphy; Daniel O'Kelly, Joey Kinnane, Senan Crosbie; Callum Graham, Ollie Gaffney, Conal O Riain.

Subs: Nathan Fitzgerald for O'Kelly 41 mins, James Norris for Graham 47 mins, Finnian Donohoe for Kennedy 52 mins.

Referee: Eamonn Furlong (Wexford).

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