Kilkenny 4-19 Down 1-7: Kilkenny booked their place in the final after a one-sided affair in defeating a disappointing Down at Cusack Park, Mullingar, on Saturday.
Kilkenny were too classy for their Ulster opponents, and took a firm hold when Willie O'Dwyer scored a goal after 22 minutes. Brian Dowling, Aidan Fogarty and Seaghain O'Neill also goaled.
KILKENNY: D Herity; M Phelan, C Hickey, G Joyce; K Coogan, J Tyrrell, JJ Delaney; S Hennessy (0-5, all frees), T Walsh; C Phelan (0-1), P Cleere (0-1), W O'Dwyer (1-2); A Fogarty (1-3), S O'Neilll (1-2), B Dowling (1-5). Subs: C O'Neill for Delaney (35 mins); E McCormack for Walsh (38 mins); R O'Neill for Herity (45 mins); N Moran for Phelan (52 mins.)
DOWN: R Murray; S Roddy, R Conlon, P Hughes; JH Hughes, G Clarke, G Dynes; D McCusker, B McGourty; A Dynes, P Braniff (1-5, 0-5 frees), E Clarke; S Clarke, G Johnston (0-2), M Gilmore. Subs: D Flynn for McCusker (22 mins); K Coulter for Roddy (32 mins); G Flynn for Dynes (37 mins); J Fowler for Gilmore (44 mins); S Johnson for E Clarke (46 mins.)
Referee: M Haverty (Galway).
