In a game full of intensity on a very hot day, both sides went for it hammer and tongs.
There was nothing to seperate them at half-time, with Lar Corbett's crucial goal leaving it at 0-09 to 1-06 at half-time.
But former Hurler of the Year Corbett was forced off with a hamstring injury, and with Eoin Larkin keeping the scoreboard ticking for Kilkenny in the second-half, Brian Cody's side always managed to stay a couple of points in front.
Kilkenny now go on to a Phase III Qualifier encounter with Waterford next weekend.
