Kilkenny 2 - 14  Dublin 0 - 4

There was to be no late reprieve for Dublin in the Gala Championship as Kilkenny advanced to the semi finals with an impressive display.

Aided by the breeze in the first half, the Cats took full advantage and by half-time had built up a winning lead of 1 - 11 to 0 - 1.

Dublin contained the visitors well for 23 minutes when they trailed by just 0 - 7 to 0 - 1.   Louise O'Hara was hurling superbly at centre back and Tara Corrigan was defiant at full back.  In goal, Joelenne Hoary was composed and made one brilliant stop from Ann Marie Phelan at the expense of a point.  However Dublin's attack struggled throughout and failed to threaten at any stage.

The pressure continued to rain down on the Dublin defence and the likes of Aoife Neary, Michelle Quilty, Edwina Keane, Ann Marie Phelan and Katie Power knocked over a string of fine points.  However it was the goal before half-time from Edwina Keane that seemed to do fatal damage to Dublin's chances as it saw the visitors lead at the break by 1 - 11 to 0 - 1, Dublin's only score a superb effort from Louise O'Hara from a quick line ball by Ciara Lucey.

Dublin needed an early boost but the Kilkenny defence was in complete charge especially corner back Jacqui Frisby, Elaine Aylward and Lizzie Lyng. 

Denise Gaule stretched the Kilkenny lead and although Dublin battled bravely especially Arlene Cushen, Sarah Ryan, Elaine O'Meara, Catriona Power and Alison Maguire apart from a snap shot from Emer Lucey, the home side could not get in for a goal.

Alison Maguire, Anne Griffin and Louise O'Hara (f) grabbed Dublin's second half scores but a scrambled goal by Colette Dormer despite Arlene Cushen's best efforts gave an added sheen to the result for Kilkenny.

Joelenne Hoary, Andrea Fitzpatrick, Tara Corrigan, Arlene Cushen, Elaine O'Meara, Louise O'Hara (0-2), Catriona Power, Ciara Lucey, Alison Maguire (0-1), Rachel Costello, Amy Murphy, Anne Griffin (0-1), Emer Lucey, Sarah Ryan, Niamh Taylor

Subs used:  Jean Murphy, Clodagh Cooney, Miriam Twomey, Laura Twomey, Lizzie McGuinness