AHL: Kildare side to take on Down named

Simon Leacy of Kildare during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B match between Kildare and Clare at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Simon Leacy of Kildare during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B match between Kildare and Clare at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

Brian Dowling has named the same starting XV which lost by four points to 2024 All-Ireland champions Clare last time out as they go in search of a vital Allianz Hurling League win

Brian Dowling has named his Kildare side to take on Down on Sunday in the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B game which will now take place in Fontenoy Park, Leitrim, Co. Down, with a 12.45pm throw-in.

The teams shows a number from the side that started against Clare last weekend. Richie Hogan gets his first start while there is a new midfield pairing of Paul Dolan and Daire Guerin; Alan Goss and James Dolan start in the forward line.

Following their magnificent display against Clare last week, a game lost by just four points, Kildare will be more than aware that a win against Down is vital, the Mourne men having last their three game against Clare, Antrim and Wexford.

AHL: KILDARE v Down: Paddy McKenna; Liam O'Reilly, Rian Boran, Richie Hogan; Simon Leacy, Cian Boran, Dan O'Meara; Paul Dolan, Daire Guerin; Cathal McCabe, Alan Goss, Jack Sheridan; David Qualter, Gerry Keegan, James Dolan.

Rest of panel: Mark Doyle; Cathal Derivan, Tim Ryan, Muiris Curtin, Cathal Dowling, Tom Power, Harry Carroll, Oran Byrne, Caolan Smith, Conan Boran, Conn Kehoe.