The floodgates opened early for Leitrim's lively forwards at Carrick-on-Shannon, despite valiant play by Kilkenny full back Eddie Roche. Led by Aidan Rooney at centre forward, Leitrim led 1-8 to 0-2 at half-time and scored at will in the second half.

Leitrim: M McHugh; C Murray (0-1), A Charles, D Kellegher; C Regan, P Guckian, J Tiffoney (0-1); R Logan (1-0), P Farrell (0-1); F McBrien (0-2), A Rooney (0-6), C Duignan (1-0); D Brennan (1-1), L Conlon (0-1), G Bohan (0-5). Subs: P McLoughlin (0-2) for L Conlon; R Greenan for P Guckian; C Carroll for C Duignan.

Kilkenny: E Mulrooney; J Walsh, E Roche, N Morrissey; N Lacey, D Beirne, P Fewer; P Mullally, P Brennan; J Young (0-1), J Lonergan (0-1), R Mullally; B Leahy, D Walsh (0-2), M Gordan. Subs: L Cassin for D Byrne; S Crean for B Lacey; J Maher for B Leahy.

Referee: P Reilly (Longford).