Hail our heroes

Dublin 0-22 Kilkenny 1-7

Crokes players, man of the match Ryan O'Dwyer and tigerish corner back Niall Corcoran helped Dublin power past a lethargic Kilkenny team to win the Allianz National hurling league title in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon, 1st May 2011,  for the first time since 1939.

Dublin were the superior team throughout and by half time had built a six point lead. Paul Ryan was outstanding in the first half scoring seven points which included four frees. Eoin Larkin was dismissed in the 25th minute by referee Michael Wadding who also controversially blew for half time with Dublin on the attack. Conor McCormack finished to the net only to have the goal disallowed . Remarkably,

Kilkenny only scored twice from play in this game, a statistic which may worry Brian Cody as he prepares his team for the Leinster Championship. Dublin, on the other hand will be delighted with the return from their forwards. Ten different players scored including spectacular scores from substitutes David Treacy, Maurice O’Brien and Simon Lambert.The only negative from a Dublin viewpoint would be a shoulder injury to Joey Boland who had to leave the field in the 42nd minute.

Anthony Daly will be hoping that the hunger shown today by his players can be transferred into the Leinster and All-Ireland campaigns.

Allianz League Final - What the Papers Say:

For links to some of the media coverage of Sunday’s Allianz League Final when Dublin claimed its third title and first since 1939 see the links below

• Irish Independent  HERE
• Irish Examiner  HERE
• Irish Times  HERE
• Niall Corcoran Irish Times interview  HERE
• Ryan O’Dwyer Sunday Independent interview   HERE
• Hogan Stand  HERE
• RTE Sport  HERE

Richie Stakelum celebrates with well wishers in Glenalbyn after the Dubs victory over the Cats!