Dublin Stun Kilkenny In Thriller

Dublin began their Leinster Senior Hurling Championship campaign with a thrilling victory over Kilkenny in what was a pulsating clash at Croke Park.

The Dubs raced into an early lead before the Cats hit back to level the game. Dublin then regained the lead and held on to it for the remainder of the half, going in at the break with a five-point advantage.

Kilkenny came out fighting in the second half and quickly reduced the deficit to two points.

The sides continued to trade blows and the tension was palpable as the game entered the final quarter with Dublin just one point ahead.

The Dubs then hit a purple patch and scored three unanswered points to open up a four-point lead.

Kilkenny refused to give up and they fought back once more to reduce the deficit to a single point with just minutes remaining.

However, Dublin held on to their lead and secured a famous victory.

The win was Dublin's first over Kilkenny in the Leinster Championship since 2013 and it will give them great confidence ahead of their semi-final against Wexford.

Kilkenny, meanwhile, will be disappointed with the defeat but they will have the opportunity to bounce back in their next game against Laois.

• Fast start: Dublin started the game like a house on fire and they never looked back.
• Clinical finishing: The Dubs were clinical in front of goal and they made the most of their chances.
• Solid defence: Dublin's defence was solid throughout the game and they made it difficult for Kilkenny to create scoring chances.

• Slow start: Kilkenny started the game slowly and they never really recovered.
• Wasteful shooting: The Cats were wasteful in front of goal and they missed a number of easy chances.
• Lack of intensity: Kilkenny lacked intensity in the second half and Dublin took advantage of this.

Dublin will now face Wexford in the Leinster semi-final, while Kilkenny will take on Laois.

Dublin will be confident of beating Wexford and reaching the final, while Kilkenny will be looking to bounce back from their defeat and secure a place in the last four.

The Leinster Championship is always one of the most competitive in hurling and this year's competition is sure to be no different.