Kilkenny weather early storm from Dublin to set up Galway semi-final clash

Kilkenny's top-flight pedigree shone through as they responded to Dublin’s excellent start in ruthless fashion, going in at half-time leading by nine points, having trailed by four, and streaking clear for a convincing Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final victory.

The Cats have lost a lot of elite players this year but the work-rate that has been at the core of all they have done well over the past decade, not least when winning the All-Ireland in 2020.

They forced Dublin into more and more errors as the game wore on and as a result, are back in the semi-finals, where they will renew rivalries with current champions Galway.

Dublin battled well in the second half and the potential they possess is evident, particularly given the progress that has already been made, and with the experience of operating at this level behind them.

Former All-Star Aisling Maher excelled from placed balls, Hannah Hegarty battled hard in the heart of defence and there were glimpses of the fairy dust Leaving Cert student Aisling O’Neill possesses, though unfortunately Dublin couldn’t get her involved enough.

But cracks in their attempts to work the ball out of defence as Kilkenny put a squeeze on them, the likes of Katie Nolan and Julieanne Malone among the whirling dervishes causing mayhem.

The old reliables were at it too, Claire Phelan majestic as a plus-one defender with her fantastic reading of the play, Katie Power revelling in the freedom of midfield, Denise Gaule hitting 1-8 in the first half though her radar went astray a little in the second and Miriam Walsh at her rampaging best.

And that was more than enough.

What a start for the Dubs! Niamh Gannon gets the opening goal of the game and the underdogs lead in Thurles.#rtegaa