The main feature of this game was undoubtedly the display from Maynooth man, Michael Fahey. Wearing the no. 14 jersey, he was shifted to lead the attack soon after the throw-in and went on to prove the difference between the sides. Fahey scored seven points in total, which included three frees and a 45, kicked over with nonchalant ease, but it was his overall play that really caught the eye and it will certainly be interesting to see if he makes it onto the Kildare minor side of 2009.
On this display, there will be questions to be asked if he doesn't and that's for sure.



Dublin, wearing their county's newly designed jersey, looked lively early on, but it was Kildare who opened the scoring when Craig Gilligan saw his first effort, off his left foot, blocked. However, he regained possession and this time, with his right, opened the scoring with a fine effort.

James Kelly soon equalised for Dublin before big midfielder, Conor O'Brien had the visitors in front after some seven minutes.
Michael Fahey got the first of his seven and within minutes had Kildare in front after a foul on Daithi Ivers.

Back came The Dubs when Stephen Garbull made no mistake after a poor kick-out and minutes later they were back in front through Barra Torsanigh.

Patrick Nolan tied the sides up four minutes from the break but soon after a major slice of luck saw Dublin hit the net when James Kelly pulled on a ground ball which keeper Michael Crowley seemed to have covered. However, it took a deflection off Padraic Cullen which wrong footed the keeper and Dublin led 1-4 to 04.

Patrick Nolan hit back with a Kildare free after a foul on Billy Kiernan to leave the half time score reading Dublin 1-4 Kildare 0-5.
Patrick Carton, came forward from his corner back position to open Kildare's account on the resumption before Dublin had a great chance to goal when James Kelly was in on goal but keeper Sean Whitson saved from point blank range.

Kildare suddenly upped their game and took control around the middle.
Michael Fahey got on the end of a four man move to level them up and seven minutes in the same player had Kildare in front.

An excellent move, involving Craig Gillian and Patrick Nolan, ended with Johnny Byrne bringing the best out of the Dublin net minder, David Downey, who dived to his left to bring off a brilliant save. However Michael Fahey knocked over the resultant 45 with the ease of a veteran.
Gerry Seaver reduced the deficit for Dublin but that man Fahey had three between them with ten to go.

Matthew Griffin kept the visitors in touch with a point as Kildare went on to hit two wides that could have proved costly.

Centre back, Gerry Seaver combined with Stephen Garbutt whose shot on goal rose just over, and the sides were level once again.

Back came Kildare and substitute Seamus McBride, just on the field, was fouled on the 21 and Fahey made no mistake with a minute remaining to give his side the lead.

Referee Smith went on to play five minutes of time added on but despite a few chances on both sides the scoreline remained the same and Kildare, deservedly, booked their place in the Leinster final where they will play Meath.

A great game of football with some smashing play from both sides; some excellent play and top class scores. The winners had fine players in corner back, Andy Grehan; centre back, Padraic Cullen also caught the eye as did Danny Sheehan. Johnny Byrne did well around the middle while up front Michael Fahey was a revelation while Patrick Nolan and Craig Gilligan also shone brightly.

Dublin, a fine big side, will rue a couple of goal opportunities that came their way that they failed to take advantage of, but nevertheless had fine players in Martin Quinn, Conor O'Brien, James Kelly and Stephen Garbutt.

Kildare VEC: Michael Crowley (Castledermot); Andy Grehan (Confey), Mark Grace (Prosper-ous), Patrick Carton (Castledermot) 0-1; Dara Dunning (May-nooth), Padraic Cullen, captain (Rathangan), Danny Sheehan (Naas); Eoghan McNutt (Maynooth), Johnny Byrne (Prosper-ous); Billy Kernan (Athy), Patrick Nolan (Castledermot) 0-2 (2 frees), Colin Mitchell (Prosperous); Daithi Ivers (Newbridge), Michael Fahey (Maynooth) 0-7 (3 frees, 45), Craig Gilligan (Rathangan) 0-1. Subs: Sean Whitson (Naas) for Michael Crowley (half time); William Kelly (Castledermot) for Daithi Ivers (38 minute); Eric Judge (Prosperous) for Eoghan McNutt (40 minute); Owen Lenehan (Prosperous) for Colin Mitchell (Prosperous); Seamus McBride (Maynooth) for Patrick Nolan (58 minute).

Dublin VEC: David Downey; Ryan McAnerin, Martin Quinn, Ciaran McHugh; Niall Cronin, Gerry Seaver 0-1, John McMahon; Keith Moran, Conor O'Brien 0-1; Ruari Coady, Sean McAndrew, Barra Torsnaigh 0-1; Laurence Alia, James Kelly 1-1, Stephen Garbutt 0-2. Subs: Sean Holland for Niall Cronin (half time); Mathew Griffin 0-1 for James Kelly (46 minute); Dara White for Ruari Coady (56 minute); Donal Sage for Barra Torsnaigh; Naoise O'Conarain for John McMahon.

Referee: Donal Smith (Meath).