Kilkenny and Wexford will contest this year¿s Leinster Hurling final after comfortable victories over Offaly and Dublin respectively at Semple Stadium, Thurles today.
Brian Cody's impressive Kilkenny outfit started somewhat sluggishly as Offaly jumped to an early lead. But Kilkenny's class would ultimately shine through.
Eddie Brennan's goal on 12 minutes cancelled out Offaly's opening two scores. Henry Shefflin then pointed Kilkenny into the lead as the game burst to life.
Kilkenny soon found the net again when John Hoyne, totally unmarked 20 yards from goal, received the ball in space and fired home after taking time to compose himself.
Just as Kilkenny were beginning to get on top, Offaly dug deep and found the perfect response with a goal of their own moments before half-time.
Brendan Murphy had the beating of Kilkenny full back Noel Hickey and fired an unstoppable shot to the corner of James McGarry's net.
Kilkenny, starting the second-half with a one point advantage, introduced Brian McEvoy and the excellent Charlie Carter soon after the interval. The substitution was to have a telling effect on the game.
As the duo rattled over six points between them, Offaly became deflated and sloppy in possession. Ultimately, Kilkenny seized the moment and stuck over a series of points to kill the contest off.
Earlier in the day, Dublin gave Wexford a fright after they strung together a spirited display to bridge what was, at one stage, a 17 point gap to finish just six points adrift.
Armagh, meanwhile, are through to the Ulster football final after a lack-luster eight point victory over lowly Fermanagh at Clones.
In a disappointing match, Joe Kernan's side failed to find their true form and will need a more focused attitude for next month's final against either Derry or Donegal.
Fermanagh have not reached a provincial final since 1982 and may well be waiting another 20 years for the opportunity if their dismal showing today is anything to go by.
The pace of the first-half was more suited to a national league fixture and both sides produced little in the way of noteworthy football.
Armagh full forward Ronan Clarke did hit a fine score from distance to help his side to a 0-5 to 0-4 lead at the break.
The Orchard County upped the tempo in the second period and, despite not fulfilling their potential, found the scores when needed.
Fermanagh were reduced to 14 men in the 66th minute after Sean Burns was dismissed for a nasty tackle on Oisin McConville.
Armagh went on to expose their numerical advantage, putting the game beyond doubt with scores from McConville, Diarmaid Marsden and Paddy McKeever. Rory Gallagher scored an injury-time penalty for Fermanagh.
Sunday's Results
Leinster SHC Semi-final
Wexford 3-15 Dublin 2-12
Kilkenny 2-20 Offaly 1-14
Ulster SHC Final
Antrim 3-16 Down 1-18
Connacht SFC Semi-final
Sligo 2-13 Leitrim 2-4
Ulster SFC Semi-final
Armagh 0-16 Fermanagh 1-5
Munster SFC Semi-final
Clare 1-13 Tipperary 3-7