PREVIEW: More than silverware on the line in Kildare's Tailteann Cup final

This wasn't the plan; wasn't on the agenda; wasn't what anyone hoped for but as your man propping up the end of the counter would say, it is what it is, so get on with it!

Losing to Louth in the Leinster semi-final was a big blow reaching the Tailteann Cup final can go some way to rectify that, hopefully.

The No. 1 objective at the start of this season was to gain promotion, and that has been achieved, and while there was a bit of a squeaky bum time coming to the end of that nevertheless it was achieved.

When Brian Flanagan took the reigns in Kildare it was stated, on more than one occasion, that this would be a long-term project.

Given a four year stint by the Co. Board, the Johnstownbridge man had a big task on his hand following the disaster of 2024.

In comes Flanagan, new manager, new management team, and with the experience Brian Flanagan had gained when leading Kildare U20s to a Leinster title in 2023, a second title in 2024 followed by an All-Ireland title that year, he knew what potential there was in the county from the ground up.

Many of the new faces on the Kildare panel of today are players who played under him in those two campaigns, add in a number of experienced lads, most still relatively young, and you have a panel that has, at times, showed great potential while also falling back into old habits.

The semi-final of the Tailteann Cup was a game best forgotten, on an absolute dire day, weather-wise for good football, Kildare played nothing like they are capable of and it took second half substitute, Brian McLoughlin, along with a couple more off the bench, to ensure their passage.

Along the way Kildare have clocked up some big scores, yes, against sides one would expect but from the low Kildare started out in 2025, these games are all about winning, just like this weekend's encounter with Limerick.

The Treaty County boys may have been somewhat fortunate to get the better of Wicklow in their semi-final but they have enjoyed a great season to-date; have won promotion to Division 3, and then clinched that league title handing Wexford their first defeat of the season in the final.

Kildare will go into this decider as warm favourites, a tag they would prefer not to have but once the players step over the white line in Croke Park, favourite tags go out the window.

It will be interesting to see how Kildare line out. Definitely out are the injured Jimmy Hyland and Ben McCormack.
Will Brian McLoughlin get the nod after his heroics in the semi-final?

Callum Bolton is back fully fit so he will certainly be pushing for a spot on the starting XV.

Darragh Kirwan will be hoping to start, in what would only be his first time this season to start three games in a row.

Can Daniel Flynn bring his improving form into this final?

Can Alex Beirne continue his great season?

If there is one aspect of Kildare's display in 2025 that has caused some concern, is often when they come under pressure, they are inclined to revert to type, inclined to go back to that dreadful lateral football, playing the ball across and back rather than going forward at pace with purpose.

It is essential if they are bring their season to a successful conclusion they show no mercy to their opponents.
From the throw-in attack, attack and attack again, putting Limerick under pressure from the word go.

Playing that style of play Kildare have shown they can be very effective, slowing down their play only gives their opponents time and space to defend.

And make no mistake Limerick have shown this season they have the capacity to attack, have the capacity to score goals, while also more than capable of firing over those long-range two-pointers.

But have no doubt Kildare have the ammunition to open defences, have the ammunition to score goals and have the ammunition, when they attempt them, to score two-pointers.

Kildare firing on all fronts can win, no doubt, but they must be positive and as we have said, put their opponents under pressure, pushing up on their kick-outs, while also, something that needs to be improved on big-time, show hunger and tenacity on the breaking ball in the middle third of the pitch.

Remember there is a lot more at stake in this final than just bringing home silverware.

A win would take away the concern of possibly operating in the Tailteann Cup once again come 2026.

Time for The Lilies to win back-to-back games in Croke Park, something that has not occurred since 2000.

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