Kilkenny 0-19 Wexford 0-17 - match report
Allianz League champions Kilkenny retained their Leinster crown and remain on course for a second All-Ireland title in three years after a two point win over neighbours and bitter rivals Wexford at Croke Park.
Wexford, who were guilty of wasting chances early in the second half, were kept in the hunt by Paul Codd, who scored 13 of his side's 17 points.
The Slaneysiders weren't helped by the dismissal of Liam Dunne in the 65th minute as Wexford battled in vain for an equaliser or a goal to steal a win.
Kilkenny went in at the break 0-10 to 0-8 ahead as three consecutive scores by Brian McEvoy and three frees from Henry Shefflin helped the Cats to the lead.
Five first half points from marksman Paul Codd ensured Wexford were in with a chance of battling back.
Wexford, playing with the breeze in the second half had four wides in as many minutes in the opening period and their wides tally in the opening 10 ultimately cost them the game.
Kilkenny retained their two point lead for most of the second half and once Liam Dunne was sent to the line for a foul on Martin Comerford, Wexford gave their all in search of scores.
Despite big guns Charlie Carter, Andy Comerford and Philip Larkin not being at their best and being replaced, Wexford did not have the forwards to punish Kilkenny and the Cats went on to win the Bob O'Keeffe Cup for the fifth consecutive year.
