Kildare hurlers dazzle against Kerry in first visit to new Cedral St Conleth's Park

Allianz Hurling League Roinn 2

Kildare 2-28

Kerry 0-17

The Kildare hurlers’ first game in the new Cedral St Conleth’s Park was not light on entertainment as they beat Kerry in their second Allianz Hurling League Division 2 outing.

The Lilies showed their quality early with an excellent goal from Cathal Dowling after four minutes. The Naas forward combined brilliantly with clubmate Daire Guerin and, after being sent through on goal, Dowling found the very top corner of those brand new nets.

Kildare led by that goal in the 25th minute after dominating much of the first half, but they remained unable to shake Kerry. That was until a brilliant surge late into the first half that saw them outscore The Kingdom 0-7 to 0-1 from that point on.

The Lilies led 1-14 to 0-8 at the break with the visitors having plenty to do after half-time. Kerry hit two quick-fire points after the break, but had their momentum stunted by a goal from Man of the Match David Qualter.

The Lilies ran out winners from there and got their first win of their league campaign in fine style.

KILDARE: Paddy McKenna; Cormac Byrne, Simon Leacy, Rian Boran; Daniel O'Meara, Cathal McCabe, Cian Boran; Daire Guerin, Paul Dolan; Darragh Melville, Jack Travers, Muiris Curtin; David Qualter, James Burke, Cathal Dowling. Subs: Gerry Keegan for Muiris Curtin (45 minutes), Jack Sheridan for Jack Travers (53 minutes), Conn Kehoe for Darragh Melville (58 minutes), Richy Hogan for Cathal McCabe (62 minutes), James Dolan for James Burke (64 minutes).

KERRY: Louis Dee; Kyle O'Connor, Dara Kearney, Daithí Griffin; Darragh Shanahan, Ronan Walsh, Ronan Donovan; Killian Hayes, Rory O'Mahony; Jack Sheehan, Adam Segal, Tom Doyle; Oísin Maunsell, Shane Nolan, Shane Conway. Subs: Seanie Brosnan for Jack Sheehan (Half-time), Seanie McGrath for Darragh Shanahan (47 minutes), Jeremy McKenna for Adam Segal (49 minutes), Niall Mulcahy for Shane Nolan (57 minutes), Darragh Conway for Killian Hayes (64 minutes).

Referee: Caymon Flynn (Wexford)