In the Tailteann Cup match, Kildare marks a convincing triumph over Longford, registering a score of 3-25 to Longford’s 1-11 at the Manguard Park Centre of Excellence. Conquering the struggles of their previous performance, Kildare’s troupe saw 13 unique players scoring, thereby proving a commanding play.
Kildare spectators had their worries put at ease, witnessing their team come alive and perform in a ruthless and clinical manner, after the team was labelled among the lowest scoring teams across the country in 2024. The squad seemed to relish their usual training grounds, producing a score of 1-16 and a solitary wide in the opening half.
Centre forward Darragh Kirwan led the scoring, opening the board with an excellent point, and successfully contributing six points overall. Meanwhile, Longford players could only observe as Kildare wielded their power, overshadowing an otherwise lackluster season marked by seven defeats.
Despite their trails, Kildare’s spirit surfaced as the scores started piling up. During the first half, Longford kept up till the score stood at 0-5 to 0-3, post which they failed to match Kildare’s surging momentum. Ryan Houlihan, the corner-back, and Kirwan added a few more to the tally, with Mick O’Grady missing a golden opportunity for a goal.
However, the 26th minute saw the much anticipated goal, achieved by Paddy Woodgate following an excellent combination play with Daniel Flynn and Houlihan. The first half closed with Kildare holding a significant lead at 1-15 to 0-5.
The second half wasn’t much of a relief for Longford, as Kevin Flynn, Darragh Swords, and Rian Teahan, new to the championship, added to the score. Woodgate’s second goal, courtesy of Aaron Masterson’s brilliant save from Daniel Mimnagh, secured Kildare’s superiority, leaving goalkeeper Paddy Collum defeated.
Darren Gallagher managed to score a somewhat redeeming goal for Longford at the 59th minute mark, but it fell short in rectifying a disappointing performance from Paddy Christie’s squad. Capping off a triumphant victory for Kildare, Paddy McDermott netted their third goal during injury time.
LINE-UP FOR KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Ryan Houlihan (0-1), Mick O’Grady, Ryan Burke; Tony Archbold (0-2), Brian Byrne, Jack Sargent (0-2); Aaron Masterson (0-1), Brendan Gibbons; Shane Farrell (0-1), Darragh Kirwan (0-6), Paddy McDermott (1-2); Paddy Woodgate (2-1), Daniel Flynn (0-2), Kevin Feely (0-4, two marks).
Substitutes included Kevin Flynn (0-1) replacing Gibbons after 44 mins, Killian Galligan replacing Archbold after 52, Darragh Swords (0-1) replacing D Flynn after 54, Eoin Doyle replacing Burke after 58, and Rian Teahan (0-1) replacing Kirwan after 62.
LONGFORD TEAM: Patrick Collum; Patrick Fox, Oisin O’Toole, Bryan Masterson; Dessie Reynolds, Michael Quinn, Joseph Hagan (0-2); Ryan Moffett, Darren Gallagher (1-4, four frees); Aaron Farrell (0-2), Daniel Mimnagh, Daniel Reynolds; Mark Hughes, Dylan Farrell (0-3, two frees), Keelin McGann.
Substitutes were Paddy Kiernan batting for Daniel Reynolds at halftime, Enda Macken replacing McGann after 42 mins, Cathal McCabe replacing Quinn after 50, Jack Macken replacing Mimnagh after 57, and Ruairi Harkin replacing Hagan after 62.
Match official: Brendan Griffin (from Kerry).