Birr set up a clash against Kilkenny champions O'Loughlin Gaels by overpowering the home side in Naas yesterday.

Early scores from Simon Whelahan, Johnny Pilkington and Rory Hanniffy put Birr into a commanding lead and Naas were held scoreless until midway through the opening half at the end of which they trailed by 0-9 to 0-3..

Three minutes after the restart Gary Hanniffy put an end to any prospect of a Naas recovery with the first goal of the game and it was followed by three more points before Naas scored again. Rory Hanniffy sealed Birr's win with a goal in the 51st minute.

BIRR: B Mullins; G Cahill, J Errity, JP O'Meara; D Franks (0-1), Brian Whelahan (0-1), N Claffey; J Pilkington (0-2), Barry Whelahan; D Pilkington (0-1), L Power, R Hanniffy (1-4); P Molloy, G Hanniffy (1-4, three frees), S Whelahan (0-4, three frees). Subs: S Brown for S Whelahan, D Hayden for Molloy, C Hanniffy (0-1) for Power, A Guinan for Barry Whelahan, J O'Loughlin for O'Meara.

NAAS: B Murnane; M Byrne, C Boran, E Leamy; M Hennessy, E Denieffe (0-1), P Rohan (0-1); N Swan (0-1), J Brennan; P Brennan, R Coyle, M Boran; J Kinlon (0-1), J Ryan (0-1), L Moloney. Subs: T Shanahan for P Brennan and J Dowling for Moloney.

Referee: A Stapleton (Laois).