Updated 16,31pm
CIARAN KILKENNY WAS the match-winner as Dublin claimed victory over Westmeath in today’s O’Byrne Cup opener.
Jim Gavin’s charges ran out winners by 0-12 to 0-11 in their Group D clash at Cusack Park in Mullingar.
Kilkenny, who was one of two survivors – the other being captain Stephen Cluxton – from last September’s All-Ireland winning starting side – hit over the vital score to ensure Dublin narrowly prevailed.
Dublin lead by 0-6 to 0-5 at the interval with Paul Hudson and Jason Whelan hitting five points between them.
Westmeath bounced back in the second-half with Dessie Dolan pointing them into the lead with ten minutes left. But Dublin recovered to level and then Kilkenny shot over the winner on an afternoon when there were no black cards brandished.
The other game in Group D was played last night with DCU triumphing by 1-15 to 0-9 against Louth in Haggardstown.
Stephen Cluxton with James Rodgers, 3, from Ballyboughal, Dublin, after the match
Pic: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Group C
Meath cruised to a 4-11 to 1-14 win over Dublin IT in their game at Páirc Tailteann in Navan. Goals from Michael Newman and Dalton McDonagh propelled Meath into a 2-6 to 0-6 interval advantage.
David Lark hit Meath’s third goal to help them go ahead by 3-9 to 0-11 in the 52nd minute. Niall Scully found the net from the penalty spot for Dublin IT to cut the gap to three points before Dalton McDonagh struck his second goal to seal their victory.
While elsewhere in that group in Ashford, Wicklow were 1-9 to 0-11 winners over IT Carlow. Wicklow were in front by 1-6 to 0-6 at the interval with Dean Odlum grabbing what transpired to be a crucial goal.
The second round of group games take place on Wednesday night.
Results
Group C
Meath 4-11 Dublin IT 1-14
Wicklow 1-9 IT Carlow 0-11
Group D
Dublin 0-12 Westmeath 0-11
