So, we are down to the last four now in both the hurling and football championships, with the All-Ireland hurling semi-finals coming next weekend followed by the football semis on August 14th and 15th. That's all from me for today - thanks for reading!

Leinster SFC final full time: Dublin 0-20 Kildare 1-9

Despite never coming out of second gear, Dublin coast to their eleventh successive Leinster title; 16th in 17 seasons; and 60th of all time. They advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Mayo, which will take place back here on Saturday week, with Kerry and Tyrone contesting the second semi-final the following day.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-20 Kildare 1-9

Substitute Brian McLoughlin fires over a late consolation point for the Lilywhites and Ryan Basquel replies.

No goal!

Substitute Colm Basquel hammers the ball to the roof of the Kildare net but is punished for too many steps. Harsh enough as he was being impeded by a couple of defenders. But it's of little or no consequence...

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-19 Kildare 1-8

Costello shows his quality again with another superb finish on the stroke of full time.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-18 Kildare 1-8

Costello (0-3) adds to the winning tally two minutes from the end of the regulation 70. There will be four minutes of additional time.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-17 Kildare 1-8

Kilkenny executes a wonderful catch to claim the advanced mark and kicks a point with uncanny accuracy. Five minutes left here and the gap is six.

Goal!

A Goal of the Season contender from Daniel Flynn! The Kildare full forward dispossesses the sluggish McCarthy out on the right wing, powers past Cooper and sends a bullet across Comerford to the top left corner of the Dublin net - 1-8 to 0-16!

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-16 Kildare 0-8

In the 60th minute, Howard creeps forward to kick between the posts from close to the D. Kildare look out on their feet.

Twelve minutes remaining. Dublin have killed the game effectively since the second water break.

Kildare finally get their hands on the leather again after about three energy-sapping minutes of chasing shadows. They move forward and are overturned.

Fifteen minutes left. Dublin have enjoyed an extended bout of keep-ball...

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-15 Kildare 0-8

Hawk-eye confirms that Beirne's shot travelled inside the post and the gap is down to seven at the first water break. While Dublin have been below par today, it's very difficult to see Kildare mustering enough scores in the final quarter to close the gap.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-15 Kildare 0-7

Kilkenny cuts incisively inside his man and flashes another one over, this one with the right foot. Daylight starting to appear between the teams and Kildare just can't get out of their own half...

Double scores:

Class from Kilkenny as he takes a great score off his left. The execution was like a mirror image of his unique right-footed, snapshot technique.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-13 Kildare 0-7

Dublin have Kildare pinned back inside their own '45'. They won't reduce the arrears from there. Tidy point on the turn from Paddy Small. Scully strokes over an advanced mark after a clear foul on Daniel Flynn goes unpunished. For the sixth time, Kildare pass a shot to the grateful Comerford.

Kildare spring Beirne and Niall Kelly from the bench. Crafty from Jonny Cooper as he lies on top of the ball and then feigns injury to deny the Lilywhites a free.

That lacklustre popshot from Brian Fenton underlines just how out of sort the Delaney Cup and Sam Maguire holders have been so far today.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-11 Kildare 0-7

Niall Scully kicks a lovely score from 40 metres. Neil Flynn replies with an inspirational solo point off his left boot after running straight at the heart of the holders' defence.

After a bout of resolute defending, Kildare eventually win a free-out and the pressure is alleviated. They need to engage Dublin at the other end of the field, however. The do so and Daniel Flynn picks out brother, Luke, who executes a wonderful advanced mark, only to kick a relatively straightforward chance wide...

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-10 Kildare 0-6

Within 30 seconds of the restart, Daniel Flynn gives Kildare a real boost, slotting a superb point on the turn from a tricky angle. Small is fouled at the Davin End, however, and Rock converts the free.

The teams are back out for the second half. Both sides will be seeking an improvement on their first-half display...

Dublin nowhere near their best today but Kildare have been way too tentative thus far and have not taken advantage. The visitors' attacks have been too laboured. They are still in the game, though. Looking on, Mayo, Kerry and Tyrone will take great heart from this...

Leinster SFC final half time : Dublin 0-9 Kildare 0-5

A swift Dublin counter culminates in a nice finish from the off-balance O'Callaghan. Costello pulls his shot left and wide to leave four between the teams at the end of a low-key opening period.

Yellow card for Neil Flynn, who pushed O'Callaghan in the face in an effort to hold him off. Wides at either end. This game has not caught fire at all yet.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-8 Kildare 0-5

Short from Fergal Conway. Kildare should at least be kicking those balls dead. A Rock shot in contrast goes straight up into the sky and back down. Costello's attempt is referred to Hawk-Eye and the point is awarded.

Wides

Uncharacteristically, Con O'Callaghan drops a powder-puff left-footed effort into Donnellan's grasp. Kildare come forward and McCormack sends his shot right and wide. Brian Howard then drills a speculative attempt wide of the posts.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-7 Kildare 0-5

Off the right boot this time, Hyland hammers over a terrific Kildare point, the ball dropping on the roof of the net. Paddy Small is dragged going through the Kildare defence, however, and Rock tucks away the free for his fourth of the day.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-6 Kildare 0-4

Kildare clear their lines after another Dublin attack breaks down. Niall Scully was in for a possible goal but wasn't spotted by a team-mate. McCormack drops short once more and Rock fists over almost instantly at the Hill 16 end. Paddy Small directs a relatively simple opportunity off the post.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-5 Kildare 0-4

Costello gets back to dispossess the menacing Daniel Flynn close to the Davin End posts. Both teams are turned over twice and Hyland points from an advanced mark / free - not sure which it was but he spilled the ball so it must have been the latter. The first water break is called on 20 minutes with a point between them.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-5 Kildare 0-3

McCormack's turn to drop a shot short. Dublin mount a counter-attack and James McCarthy whips over a confident strike from a central position.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-4 Kildare 0-3

Cormac Costello takes his point after Kildare cough up cheap possession in the middle of the field. Evan Comerford then pulls down a dangerously-dropping Daniel Flynn effort from close to his crossbar. Kilkenny harshly penalised for overcarrying as the defender swung out of him.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-3 Kildare 0-3

Kilkenny clips his first point on ten minutes. Daniel Flynn calls the mark and - after unsuccessfully trying to play on - takes his point to equalise again.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-2 Kildare 0-2

Kevin Flynn is bumped over by Michael Fitzsimons and Hyland converts the free from his hands.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-2 Kildare 0-1

Neil Flynn drags a Kildare free right and wide from over 50 metres. From the restart, Rock points from play at the opposite end of the pitch. Paddy Small drops a tame effort into Mark Donnellan's hands.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-1 Kildare 0-1

Dean Rock points a sixth-minute free from the hands following a slight tug on Ciaran Kilkenny.

Leinster SFC final: Dublin 0-0 Kildare 0-1

Wide from Ben McCormack but an advantage was being played. We go back for a free and Kildare work the ball to Jimmy Hyland, who takes a nice score from distance.

Game on!

Match referee Martin McNally gets us started. Dublin are attacking a deserted Hill 16 in the first half.

With nothing to lose, Kildare have a free crack at the Dubs today. How they'd love to have Kevin Feely available to improve their chances of springing a shock!

Magnificent Seven?

I should probably mention that Dublin are of course bidding to win a seventh successive All-Ireland this year. Standing between Dessie Farrell's charges and an extension of their record-breaking run are Kildare, Mayo and either Kerry or Tyrone.

Team news:

For Kildare, Darragh Malone replaces the injured Eoin Doyle and Shea Ryan starts instead of Alex Beirne.

Team news:

A late change to the Dublin starting XV as John Small comes in for Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne.

Dublin (Leinster SFC final v Kildare): Evan Comerford; Michael Fitzsimons, Davy Byrne, Jonny Cooper; James McCarthy, Brian Howard, Sean McMahon; Brian Fenton, Peadar Ó Cofaigh-Byrne; Paddy Small, Ciaran Kilkenny, Niall Scully, Cormac Costello, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock.

Kildare (Leinster SFC final v Dublin): Mark Donnellan, Mark Dempsey, Mick O'Grady, Eoin Doyle; Ryan Houlihan, David Hyland, Kevin Flynn; Luke Flynn, Aaron Masterson; Alex Beirne, Fergal Conway, Neil Flynn; Ben McCormack, Daniel Flynn, Jimmy Hyland.

Dublin have won the last ten Leinster titles and are favourites to retain the Delaney Cup. But they haven't been their usual imperious selves so far in 2021, so Kildare will fancy their chances of causing an upset. The winners will join Mayo, Kerry and Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Nearly 67,000 spectators attended the 2017 final, back in the good old days.

Coming up at 4pm, Dublin meet Kildare in the Leinster SFC final. It's a repeat of the 2017 final, which the Dubs won by 2-23 to 1-17. Dublin beat the Lilywhites by two points and three respectively in the finals of 2002 and 2009.

The last time Offaly won hurling silverware in Croke Park was the 1998 All-Ireland and that's the level they will be aiming to get back to, starting with the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2022.

Christy Ring Cup final full time: Offaly 0-41 Derry 2-14

The outstanding Killian Sampson closes the scoring. Offaly have won the Christy Ring Cup. Job done for them but I'm sure the celebrations will be somewhat muted as they know themselves they should be operating at a much higher level.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-40 Derry 2-14

Cassidy fires over Derry's 14th point in the second of four added minutes, putting a bit of symmetry on the scoreboard again.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-40 Derry 2-13

Kinsella follows up with his second and fellow sub Damien Egan slots the 40th Offaly score, which is surely a record. Richie Mullan replies.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-38 Derry 2-12

Two-in-a-row from Treacy, this one coming from inside his own '65'.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-37 Derry 2-12

Wing back Treacy arrows over his second long-distance score as the Faithfuls canter towards the winning line.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-36 Derry 2-12

Yet again it's double scores to as Dooley bangs over a close-range free.

Goal!

McKeever rattles the net with a second stunning Derry goal. It might be too late but take nothing away from that finish - 2-12 to 0-35!

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-35 Derry 1-12

Dooley strokes over a superb free from distance out close to the sideline! Twenty between the teams now.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-34 Derry 1-12

Cassidy pulls one back but Cahill replies with his 13th on the hour. Sub O'Connor's second is a beauty.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-32 Derry 1-11

Shane Kinsella comes off the bench to get in on the scoring. Offaly also introduce Shane Dooley for the closing stages...

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-31 Derry 1-11

Two lovely Kelly strikes - taking his tally to six - fly between the posts either side of another O'Doherty free. Luke O'Connor adds another for the winners-elect before Kelly bags his seventh.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-27 Derry 1-10

Cahill takes his points total to a dozen with a radar-like free just before the second water break.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-26 Derry 1-10

Kelly's fourth is cancelled out by a O'Doherty free. Cahill adds to his tally with a tidy finish from play.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-24 Derry 1-9

Murphy wins the free-in, which is moved closer, and easily tapped over by Cahill. The former follows up with his fifth - another terrific strike from the corner.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-22 Derry 1-9

Slaughtneil ace Cassidy whips over his third point of the afternoon. At the other end, Langton's shot goes right and wide.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-22 Derry 1-8

McKeever tries to lob a goal from 50 metres after intercepting the puck-out but his audacious effort goes inches over the Offaly crossbar. Cahill replies from a free.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-21 Derry 1-7

Ross Ravenhill looking shaky after taking a knock and Cahill lofts over the free. Double scores again early in the second half. Langton and Cahill then combine for the latter to launch one over from play.

Christy Ring Cup final half time: Offaly 0-19 Derry 1-7

Captain and midfielder Cormac O'Doherty fires over his third converted free for Derry but Offaly are far too strong for their opponents. They hold a commanding nine-point interval lead and are on course for the expected victory.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-19 Derry 1-6

Cassidy takes a point across his shoulder for the Oak Leaf County as we move into two additional minutes at the end of a largely one-sided first half.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-19 Derry 1-5

Cahill (0-6) fires over another free and the gap is now eleven points. Derry's Odhran McKeever is yellow-carded.

Save!

Oisin O'Doherty does well to prevent Murphy's shot from finding the top corner. Advantage was being played and Cahill taps over the 21-metre free.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-17 Derry 1-5

Double scores again following quickfire Offaly scores from Jason Sampson and Kelly. Aidan Treacy adds another from teh half-back line.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-14 Derry 1-4

Cahill is the right man to have on the end of a move and he sends his shot straight between the posts to make it double scores.

Goal!

Cassidy brilliantly picks out Bradley and the latter finishes emphatically to the Offaly net - 1-4 to 0-13!

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-13 Derry 0-4

Offaly captain and centre back Ben Conneely thumps over a majestic score from 70 metres before his direct opponent Gerard Bradley replies.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-12 Derry 0-3

Nine between them at the first water break.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-12 Derry 0-2

Wonderful improvisation from Cahill, who forages a point from play; Fox tacks on another. This is very one-sided. Derry can't get on the ball.

Christy Ring Cup final: Offaly 0-10 Derry 0-2

Kelly decides there is no need to go for goal and takes his point before Cahill converts his second free as Michael Fennelly's men move eight clear.

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-2 Offaly 0-8

Ridiculous from Murphy as he bangs over his third successive score!

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-2 Offaly 0-7

Murphy is in the mood, From close to the sideline he drills a delightful shot between the posts - his third and best of the game so far!

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-2 Offaly 0-6

Murphy shortens the grip and whips over his second score of the day.

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-2 Offaly 0-5

Liam Langton restores the midlanders' two-point cushion. A foul on Eoghan Cahill wins Offaly a free and he taps it over himself.

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-2 Offaly 0-3

A stunning strike from Brian Cassidy to open the Oak Leaf account; Se McGuigan ties the scores up but Leon Fox restores the Faithful County's lead.

Christy Ring Cup final: Derry 0-0 Offaly 0-2

Oisin Kelly rounds his man and goes for goal but the sliothar takes paint off the crossbar and flies over for a point. Kelly then sets up John Murphy for the second.

Game on!

Perfect conditions for hurling in Croke Park today, where Offaly are attacking the Hill 16 end in the first half.

Offaly thumped Wicklow in their Christy Ring Cup semi-final last weekend, while Derry secured a battling victory over Sligo. There is a feeling that the midlanders are punching below their weight at this level and they are expected to ease to victory today. Derry will have other ideas, of course. but they can consider themselves rather unfortunate to run into a county of the calibre of Offaly at this level.

The stakes are high in both games and I'll be posting live updates on the action as it happens.

Christy Ring Cup final:

In the curtain-raiser, at 1pm, Derry provide the opposition to Offaly in the third-tier hurling decider. The winners will collect the silverware and secure promotion to the Joe McDonagh Cup for the 2022 season.

Leinster SFC final:

Dublin and Kildare lock horns in the 2021 Leinster senior football final at 4pm. The Dubs are bidding for their eleventh successive provincial crown, while the Lilywhites are aiming to bridge the gap back to their 2000 Delaney Cup success. The winners will advance to an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Mayo. 

Major silverware is up for grabs on the double at Croke Park today.