Mick O'Dwyer's men finally came of age after a decade of subservience to their metropolitan rivals. Kildare demonstrated the requisite character and football ability and their margin of victory should have been significantly greater.

Dublin's Declan Darcy goaled with virtually the last kick of the match, the only time during the 70 minutes that a Dublin forward scored from play. It flattered the losers who were completely outplayed, offering nothing more than a fragile and disjointed challenge. Darcy contributed 1-5 of the total.

Niall Buckley enjoyed a fine game for Kildare, and not even the late sending off of Dessie Farrell (Dublin) and Anthony Rainbow (Kildare) could mar the Lilywhites' afternoon.

Dublin: D Byrne; E Heery, P Christie, P Moran; P Curran (0-1), K Barr, D Harrington; B Stynes (0-1), C Whelan; I Roberston, J Gavin (0-1, one free), D Darcy (1-5, five frees); D Farrell, M Deegan, J Sherlock. Subs: P Bealin for Roberston (45 mins); P Croft for Harrington (51 mins); R Boyle for Sherlock (60 mins).

Kildare: C Byrne; B Lacey, R Quinn, K Doyle; J Finn, G Ryan (capt) (0-1), A Rainbow (0-1); N Buckley (0-3, two frees), W McCreery; E McCormack (0-2), D Kerrigan, D Earley; M Lynch, K O'Dwyer (0-1), P Gravin (0-4, four frees). Subs: S Dowling for Doyle (6 mins).

Referee: M Curley (Galway).