Connacht - considered hurling's poor relations in recent years were more than a match for their Leinster counterparts in the opening quarter as the sides traded points, but John Conran's side were first to raise a green flag - Wexford's Diarmuid Lyng Goaled on the quarter hour.

Galway's Richie Murray did likewise 10 minutes later impressing the ex-pats and local Arabian crowd with a first time ball on the bounce rifled into the net past Kilkenny's PJ Ryan.

Just 3 points separated the sides at the break Leinster ahead 1-11 to 1-8.

Connacht's lack of capacity to create goals ultimately proved the difference.

Kilkenny sharpshooter Henry Shefflin kicked to the back of the net for Leinster's second goal inside five minutes after the restart.

Offaly's Joe Bergin bagged Leinster's the third with 11 minutes to go as Leinster ran out winners by a margin of 3-18 to 1-17 to claim the win in the showcase interprovincial series for the M Donnelly trophy supported by Etihad Eirways.