ANTHONY DALY’S DUBLIN have beaten Kilkenny in the Allianz National Hurling League final at Croke Park by a scoreline of 0-22 to 1-7.

The Cats’ Eoin Larkin was dismissed for striking Conal Keaney in a fiery first half before the Dubs ultimately ran out comfortable winners. It’s Dublin’s first league title since 1939.

Eddie Brennan hit Kilkenny’s goal in the 10th minute goal after a long-range TJ Reid free was gathered by Richie Hogan. He sent Brennan through to score.

Paul Ryan put Dublin ahead again with a 16th-minute free and tacked on another superb effort moments later. After a string of Dublin points which delighted Hill 16, Kilkenny then saw Larkin dismissed.

A thrilling first half ended in more drama when Conor McCormack dispatched to the net only to discover that referee Michael Wadding had blown for the break; Dublin led by a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-2.

As they led by six heading into the home stretch, Kilkenny failed to peg them back as expected – and Dublin pulled yet further in front with a series of clinical points.

Anthony Daly took the congratulations of Brian Cody as Croke Park celebrated. It makes for an intriguing summer.