John Conran’s men gained the province’s 24th title at Pearse Stadium, with Joe Bergin’s first half goal laying the foundations.

Three Eddie Brennan points handed Leinster an 0-08 to 0-04 lead, and while newcomer Iarla Tannian, Alan Kerins and Eugene Cloonan kept Connacht in the hunt, Bergin’s goal pushed Leinster 1-13 to 0-10 ahead at half-time.

The Offaly full-forward’s strike, which he rifled to the roof of Liam Donoghue’s net, grew in importance, as Connacht’s comeback never materialised in the second half.