Kildare GAA: Kerry edge out Kildare in entertaining challenge

All-Irealnd champions, Kerry, took on Tailteann Cup champions Kilare, at Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, in senior challenge on Saturday evening.

Both sides were far from full strengh, Kerry started with just two from their All-Ireland winning starting side while The Lilieshad five from their Taulteann starting XV.

Kerry, playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening half, dominated the early proceedings opening up 1-8 to no score after 14 minutes, Kildare finally opened their account through a Ryan Sinkey effort on 16 minutes, the Naas man added two more before the break but Kerry remained in charge up to half-time leading 1-14 to 0-6.

The second half saw a clatter of subs being introduced from both sides, and Kildare certainly upped their game with Eoin Cully addingfive points, with two points each from Callum Bolton and a two-pointer frrom Ben Loakman. 

However, although scoring four points in the second half, Kerry held out to win on a final score line of Kerry 1-18 Kildare 0-19.

Scorers: Kerry, Donnagh O'Sullivan 0-5 (2 two-pointers), Tomás Kennedy 1-2, Cillian Trant 0-3, Liam Smith 0-1, Ruairí Murphy 0-2, Keith Evans 0-2, Daragh O'Connor 0-1, Darragh O'Connor 0-1 (free), Armin Heinnrich 0-1.

Kildare, Eoin Cully 0-6 (1 two-pointer free), Ryan Sinkey 0-3, Alex Beirne 0-2 (2 frees), Callum Bolton 0-2, Neil Flynn 0-2, Ben Loakman 0-2 (two-pointer), Liam Kelly 0-1, Daragh Ryan 0-1.

KERRY: Michael Tansley; Tadhg Morley, Jason Foley, Darragh O'Connor; Armin Hein rich, Mike Breen, Eddie Healy; Liam Smith, Cillian Trant; Donagh O'Sullivan, Ruairí Murphy, Thomas O'Donnell; Keith Evans, Tomás Kennedy, Daragh O'Connor. Subs: Sean O'Brien for Liam Smith (half-time); Gearoid Hassett for Tomás Kennedy (half-time); Evan Boyle for Donagh O'Sullivan (half-time); Liam Evans for Mike Breen (half-time); Dan Murphy for Jason Foley (half-time); Daniel Kirby for Thomas O'Donnell (half-time); Darragh O'Connor for Keith Evans; Kieran O'Sullivan for Darragh O'Connor; Paul O'Shea for Daragh O'Connor; Sean Broderick for Michael Tanssley (all 55 minutes).

KILDARE: Cian Burke; Sean Moore, Ryan Burke, Liam Kelly; Daragh Ryan, James McGrath, Dean O'Donoghue; Dan Lynam, Callum Bolton; Brian McLoughlin, Alex Beirne, Neil Flynn; Ryan Sinkey, Ben Loakman, Eoin Cully. Subs: Tommy Gill for Dean O'Donoghue (half-time); Kevin Feely for Ryan Sinkey (52 minutes); Cathal White for Sean Moore (55 minutes); Didier Cordonier for Cian Burke (55 minutes); Sam Doran for Neil Flynn (62 minutes); Niall Dolan for Alex Beirne (65 minutes); Ciaran Flanagan for Callum Bolton (67 minutes).

REFEREE: Brendan Cawley.