'A throw-back to everything that was negative' defeat for footballers and hurlers but in very different ways

Talk about things going belly-up, and that is probably putting it somewhat mildly. It was a throw-back to everything that was negative about football, not too long ago, as both Kildare and Cavan struggled to get to grips with the conditions, with the basics of the game, the fetching, the passing, the scoring, it was horrible to watch for long periods and it puts The Lilies in a very precarious position as regards retaining their Division 2 status.

Missing Alex Beirne, suspended, and the latest hamstring victim, Kevin Feely, one thing is certain, at the moment Kildare just cannot be without either or both of those players. Beirne will be back next week but the chances of Feely recovering in that time is rather unlikely.

There does seem to be an issue with hamstrings in this Kildare squad as there seems no end to players picking up this cursed injury.

Jimmy Hyland, Jack Robinson and Ben McCormack have all been long-term hamstring victims in recent times but when you add in the likes of James McGrath, Tommy Gill, Harry O'Neill, Jack McKevitt, Ryan Sinkey, Daragh Mangan, Daragh Ryan, not forgetting Colm Dalton, it makes one wonder is there any specific reason why all these lads are, or have been, affected by this particular injury?

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Apart from the result on Sunday which was a major set-back, the actual performance is probably a bigger concern, a greater worry as going to Cavan and coming away with nothing was always going to prove difficult, remember they (Cavan) had a comfortable win over Kildare back in 2023, a game played in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.
Heading into Breffni on Sunday who do I bump into only one Niall O'Callaghan.

Instantly Seanie Johnston, Coill Dubh and Kieran McGeeney spring into mind, along with that infamous game back 2012 when the bauld Seanie made his Kildare debut.

Prior to that the Cavan man had lined out, alongside Niall O'Callaghan, if memory serves me correct, as he was obliged to play a club game (hurling or football) in Kildare in order to become eligible to don the white shirt.

That episode made national headlines at the time, in print, radio and television, and incredibly when Seanie lined out with Coill Dubh there were no less than three different TV camera crews in Conneff Park to record the Cavan native attempting to come to terms with the hurley.

I remember it well and all I will say on that, it wasn't a pretty sight as he (Seanie) struggled to come to grips, no pun intended, with the stick. In fairness after some six or seven minutes Mr Johnston was called ashore, job done, eligibility secured.

We'll leave that particular episode at that.

But back to Sunday, or more importantly looking forward to next Saturday as The Royals come knocking to Cedral St Conleth's Park. The last side to play Kildare prior to the redevelopment, a game the home side won.
If that victory could be repeated it would certainly take the pressure off Brian Flanagan's side. However if the high-flying Meath side succeed, it will be squeaky bum time for The Lilies, that is if squeaky bum time has not already arrived.

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Clare visit Newbridge

Meanwhile Saturday last was a day to remember when 2024 All-Ireland hurling champions, Clare, making their first visit to Cedral St Conleth's Park and a tilt with the home side, in this their (Kildare's) their third league outing in the Division 1B.

The visitors, as they openly expressed, were full of the joys and expecting an easy ride from The Lilies. It was a sentiment we heard on more than one occasion from some of the visiting fans, on an horrific evening, weather-wise, for hurling; in fact one could say there was a definite touch of arrogance at times from the visiting fans and indeed their management.

Clare traveled in big numbers and outnumbered the home crowd substantially but that did not bother Brian Dowling's lads as they tore into the Brian Lohan side from the throw-in.

Clare were definitely stung with two quick goals from Cathal McCabe and Jack Sheridan and while they did get over the line eventually they were put to the pin of their collars to win by a mere four points.

Clare, the 1/25 for that one, but one felt they could have shown a little bit more respect to their hosts, even the management found it difficult at times as they contested every free, every sideline, every decision of the match officials from start to finish.
From a Kildare point of view, an excellent display, however the big game comes this weekend and a trip to take on Down.

If Kildare are to retain their Division 1B status, this is a must win clash while Clare, now four wins from four, can look forward to competing at the business end and possibly a quick return to Division 1A.

On a more serious note than football and hurling, a minute's silence was observed prior to the throw-in at Breffni to remember Brian and Grace Frisby, both members of Naas GAA, who were tragically killed in an accident on Saturday. Our thoughts and prayers got to their two sons, Fionn and Theo, their extended family and friends.
A tragedy beyond belief.

May they Rest In Peace.

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