It seems the Cats are yet to use up their ninth life.
After opening their Allianz League account with back to back defeats, Brian Cody's side have confirmed their Division 1A status for next season, and consigned Dublin to the relegation playoff.
Kilkenny knew a win against the Dubs today would ensure their safety, and after Dublin goalkeeper Gary Maguire was red carded late in the first half, the Cats pulled away for a 2-20 to 1-16 win at Parnell Park.
Dublin will now play reigning champions Clare in the relegation playoff, with the Banner beaten in a 2-21 to 1-22 nailbiter by Waterford in Ennis.
Clare led by two points at half time, and as things stood, would have finished second in the Division 1A table. However Tom Devine's second half goal saw the Deise claw their way back, and secure a quarter final and Division 1A safety.
It was also a good day for Cork, with the Rebels inflicting a first defeat of the season on All-Ireland Champions Tipperary. Patrick Horgan hit a whopping 0-15, four points of which were from play, as they edged past the Premier County 0-26 to 3-16.
Cork will now play Munster rivals Limerick in the quarter finals. John Kiely's side finished third in Division 1B after losing to Galway, 24 points to 1-18. The Tribesmen now advance to a last eight meeting with Waterford.
Wexford were already assured of promotion heading into the final round of games, but Davy Fitzgerald's men made it five wins from five, beating Laois 2-24 to 2-20. Jack Guiney hit 0-7 and David Dunne scored 1-2 for Wexford, whose biggest challenge of the season comes up next after being paired with Kilkenny in the quarters.
Laois finished bottom of Division 1B, and will play Kerry in the relegation decider. The Kingdom were beaten by Offaly on a scoreline of 1-21 to 2-16.
That win gives Offaly the bonus of a league quarter final against Tipperary, but after losing their first four games of the campaign, survival is all that mattered for Kevin Ryan's men.
Allianz Hurling League quarter finals:
Tipperary v Offaly
Cork v Limerick
Waterford v Galway
Kilkenny v Wexford
Division 1A relegation playoff:
Clare v Dublin
Division 1B relegation playoff:
Kerry v Laois
*All those games will take place next weekend, with dates, times and venues to be confirmed tomorrow.
