Leinster U20 hurling: Kildare dismiss Kerry with ease

Kildare U20 hurlers had too much in the tank for visitors Kerry in Manguard Park this afternoon as they recoreed a comprehensive and impressive 21 point win in the oneills Leinster U20 Hurling championship. 

The defeat means Kerry's involvement comes to an end while Kidare will play Carlow next Friday (in Hawkfield) with both teams now guaranteed a third game at least..

Kildare manager Eoin Stapleton said he was very happy with his side's aggression, with the work-rate and their overall performance on the day.

The early exchanges were close, Kildare opening a two point lead before Kerry came back to level at 0-2 apiece after seven points.
But really that was as good as it got for The Kingdom boys as Kildare took control adding points from the impressive Fionn Maher, Conan Boran, Ciaran Kirwan before the opening goal arrived with Fionn Maher, gathering, lovely side-step past his marker before firing to the net.
Goal no. 2 arrived before the brak this time James Dolan (Celbridge) turned his man and fired low to the net and by half time Kildare led 2-9 to 0-4.

There was no kick back from Kerry in the second half as Kildare continued to dominate adding a further 2-6, the goals coming from the impressive James Dolan making it three green flags in total for the Celbridge man.

Final score line: Kildare 4-15 Kerry 0-6.

Scorers: Kildare, James Dolan 3-2, Fionn Maher 1-4 (3 frees), Oisin Lynam 0-2, Cian O'Reilly 0-1, Ciaran Kirwan 0-2, Cian Boran 0-1, Killian Harrington 0-1, Charlie Carroll 0-1, Alex Bell 0-1.

Kerry, Killian Boyle 0-2 (2 frees), Seanie McElligott 0-1, Eoghan Stack 0-1, Eric Walsh 0-1, Felim O'Sullivan 0-1.

KILDARE: Ben Loughlin (Naas); Evan O'Briain (Naas), Liam O'Reilly (Naas), Conor O'Grady (Maynooth); Finnán Ó Dúlaing (Celbridge), Daniel O'Meara cpt (Maynooth), Bill Hennessy (Naas); Enda Keane (Coill Dubh), Oisin Lynam (Celbridge); Fionn Maher (Naas), Cian O'Reilly (Éire Óg Corra Choill), Ciaran Kirwan (Celbridge); James Dolan (Celbridge), Killian Harrington (Naas), Cian Boran (Naas). Subs: Charlie Carroll (Naas) for Enda Keane (46 minutes); Theo Frisby (Naas) for Killian Harrington (46 minutes); Alex Bell (Moorefield) for James Dolan (49 minutes); Andy McNiffe (Celbridge) for Ciaran Kirwan (52 minutes); Conor Egan (Sallins) for Cian O'Reilly (55 minutes).

KERRY: Keith Molloy; Dara Kearney, Tomás Godley, Anthony Kavanagh; Darragh Conway, Jack Hannon, Rory Mahony; David O'Sullivan, Gary O'Riordan; Jack Enright, Killian Boyle, Seanie McElligott; Kieran O'Carroll, Eric Walsh, Eoghan Stack. Subs: Damian Hogan for Killian Boyle (half-time); Padraig Kenny for Jack Hannon (39 minutes); Calum O'Sullivan for Jack Enright (39 minutes); Felim O'Sullivan for Darragh Conway (42 minutes).

REFEREE: Ciarán Flynn, Westmeath.