Cats are the cream of Leinster as fans look to Dublin footballers for glory

By Laura Butler

IN the end it didn't work out for the Dublin hurlers and all hopes for provincial senior glory now rest with the county's footballers.

Anthony Daly's squad knew it would be a tough task taking on Kilkenny in yesterday's Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Final.

But although supporters left feeling deflated, they were proud of the side in the 0-24 to 1-09 defeat.

Despite the losing result, thousands of supporters made the most of a Sunday afternoon in Croke Park to watch the action unfold.

It was an enjoyable day out for the Labour party's new leader Joan Burton (65), who was no doubt celebrating her new position.

Although she was there to support the Dubs, the newly-elected Tanaiste left her jersey at home in favour of wearing a jacket in her party's colour.

disappointed

She went to the match with Clontarf councillor Jane Horgan Jones and the politician said she was "disappointed" for the losing side.

"Kilkenny were just too good for Dublin on the day, they put in a better performance," she said.

For brothers Niall and Ciaran Wynne and their pal John Behan, the defeat was a serious blow.

"Dublin just didn't turn up and scoring only three points in the second half proved that," Niall told the Herald.

Mark McEntee went along with his daughters Eimear (9) and Marie (10) and his six-year-old son Cormac.

"It's a shame but unfortunately Kilkenny were the better side when push came to shove," Mark said.

It was also disappointment for Dublin minor hurling player Tadhg Murphy as the underage team also lost their match against Kilkenny.

"They played a better game, simple as. Kilkenny deserved it."

All eyes are now on the senior football team's Leinster final clash with arch rivals Meath on July 20.

"Fingers crossed we can do well 
there," said Clondalkin friends Paul Peacock and Niall Kinsella.

Also soaking up the atmosphere at a GAA match over the weekend was Ireland soccer international Shane Long.

The 27-year-old Hull striker is savouring some well-deserved downtime and was back in his Tipperary colours to show his support at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday as his county knocked Galway out of this year's championship.

hnews@herald.ie