The quality of hurlers in Dublin is not in doubt: it's the imbalanced results of the custody battle that is holding them back. The seniors were blown away by Galway a week ago, but by contrast, the under-21s battled well with Kilkenny in tonight's Leinster Championship, before losing out by five points.
Eddie Brennan coaches the Kilkenny side, and this was his first victory at the second attempt: they were shocked by Westmeath at this stage last year.
Kilkenny did rely on a truly wondrous save by goalkeeper Darren Brennan in stoppage time, to avoid a very nervous closing couple of minutes.
The GAA have uploaded a two-minute highlight clip. Watch it all, or skip to 2.00 for the save.
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) May 31, 2017
Magnificent. Kilkenny progress to the semi-finals where they have a shot at redemption against Westmeath, who needed extra-time to see of Laois by a couple of points.
