Kilkenny got the better of Dublin at UPMC Nowlan Park.
Electric Ireland Leinster MHC semi-final
Kilkenny 4-19 Dublin 3-10
By Paul Keane
Cian Byrne sniped a stunning hat-trick as holders Kilkenny shook off the determined challenge of Dublin to secure their Electric Ireland Leinster MHC final place.
In what was a repeat of last year's final, Byrne tipped the balance with a terrific 3-3 haul while Jake Mullen continued his strong form and blasted 1-9.
Mullen, younger brother of senior star Adrian, drove Kilkenny to top spot in their Tier 1 group with his precise free-taking and excellence in open play, securing this afternoon's semi-final tie.
He delivered again with a goal after 13 minutes to open up a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at that stage.
Already it was looking ominous for Dublin who previously lost to Dublin by 13 points in the round robin at the start of the month.
The Dubs bounced back from finishing bottom of the group by blitzing Westmeath at the quarter-final stage when they struck 7-17.
They showed impressive resolve again here to cut that early five-point deficit against Kilkenny to just one thanks in part to a Conaill O'Sullivan goal.
Kilkenny's second goal, and Byrne's first, arrived in the 18th minute as the young Cats hit the gas again and reached the half-time break with a 2-11 to 1-7 lead.
Free-taker Rory Flannery, who finished with 1-6 for Dublin, pulled back a goal after the restart and when Sean Culleton netted in the 42nd minute after an eye-catching solo run, Dublin were now just two behind at 2-15 to 3-10.
Dublin didn't score again, however, and Kilkenny showed their ruthless streak with 2-4 from there on, Byrne completing his hat-trick with 51st and 58th minute goals.
Galway will play Wexford in the second semi-final tomorrow with the final pencilled in for next Saturday.
