Historic day for Kildare with maiden Joe McDonagh title
It's only a few weeks ago that Kildare began their Joe McDonagh Cup campaign with a loss to Kerry, their ninth defeat from nine games in hurling's second tier competition.
Truth be told, after emerging from the Christy Ring Cup ranks in 2025, a few may have even tipped them to return to that grade.
Five games later, Brian Dowling's side are McDonagh Cup champions, capping a terrific few weeks with a brilliant second-half performance at Croke Park to claim the silverware.
Tied at half-time, and fortunate to be level at that stage given the amount of chances Laois wasted, Kildare cut loose after the break to beat Laois comfortably for the second time in the competition.
Second-half goals from Jack Sheridan and substitute Jack Travers proved crucial while free-taker David Qualter finished with 13 points on a famous day for the county.
"A day and a story for Kildare hurling..."
Kildare are Joe McDonagh Cup champions for the first time following a 2-26 to 1-19 win over Laois at Croke Park. #RTEgaa
📺Watch LIVE on RTÉ2
🎙️ Listen on RTÉ Radio 1
📱 Follow on https://t.co/5tHaFjFvgp pic.twitter.com/DRwLdLwuKp
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 8, 2025
But it was a powerful collective performance with centre-back Cian Boran standing out in a strong defence.
Kildare, who have already secured Division 1B hurling for 2026, will get an immediate chance to test themselves at the higher level next weekend when they play Tipperary in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final.
Laois have at least another week to run in their campaign too with Dublin set to visit Portlaoise in the MacCarthy Cup.
Just like the Dublin footballers a week earlier on the same turf, Laois reflected on a first-half of squandered chances which cost them dearly in the end.
The half-time stats made for painful reading for them; 11 wides, five point attempts that dropped short and a shot at goal that was saved.
Kildare were more efficient when the ball was at the opposite Davin End and starter brighter, showing no signs of anticipated nerves.
It was their first final at the grade and they were bidding to return to Leinster championship hurling for the first time since losing to Westmeath 21 years ago.
But they were calm and composed and deserved their early 0-04 to 0-02 lead with Sheridan, James Burke and Qualter picking off three terrific points from play.
They showed their athleticism in the 18th minute when they snuffed out a Laois goal chance and worked a speedy move up the pitch that ended with a free and a handy Qualter tap over.
Free-taker Qualter finished the half with seven points to his credit and was influential in open play too.
Kildare retained their two-point lead approaching the half-hour mark when they were 0-09 to 0-07 ahead.
But with the Laois wides tally into double figures at that stage, the scoreline flattered the Lilywhites.
Three Laois points in a row from James Keyes and free-taker Tomas Keyes amounted to a strong finish to the half from them, levelling it up at 0-11 apiece at the break.
And Laois held onto that momentum with their goal coming just seconds after the restart.
Paddy Purcell raced clear with the ball from the throw-in and though his eventual shot off the turf was saved, Ben Conroy came sliding in and bundled it to the net.
The perfect start to the second half for Laois. Ben Conroy forces home from close range for the game's first goal.
Kildare 0-11 Laois 1-11 #RTEgaa
📺Watch LIVE on RTÉ2
🎙️ Listen on RTÉ Radio 1
📱 Follow on https://t.co/5tHaFjFvgp pic.twitter.com/ai0o9gzvMl
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 8, 2025
Laois were desperate to kick on from there and to impose themselves on the game but couldn't.
Instead, it was Kildare that reeled off two separate bursts of three points, taking a three-point lead at the hour mark and then killing off Laois with the two goals.
Travers grabbed his in the 61st minute, following up on the rebound after Sheridan's initial shot was blocked.
"It's put in the back of the net by the man whose only just come on!"
Jack Travers goals with his first touch and Kildare have one hand on the Joe McDonagh Cup.
Kildare 1-21 Laois 1-15 #RTEgaa
📺Watch LIVE on RTÉ2
🎙️ Listen on RTÉ Radio 1
📱 Follow on https://t.co/5tHaFjFvgp pic.twitter.com/88n5xUXsJK
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 8, 2025
Five minutes later, Sheridan netted himself, shrugging off a jersey pull and darting beyond Ryan Mullaney to get a low shot away that hit the net.
Kildare sub Muiris Curtin pointed in the 68th minute and punched the air in delight, realising that the job was done at that stage.
Kildare: Paddy McKenna; Richy Hogan, Rian Boran, Daniel O'Meara; Paul Dolan (0-01), Cian Boran, Simon Leacy (0-01); Daire Guerin, Cathal McCabe; Cathal Dowling, Jack Sheridan (1-04), David Qualter (0-13, 0-11f, 0-01 65); Darragh Melville, James Burke (0-02), Gerry Keegan (0-03).
Subs: Jack Travers (1-01) for Dowling 59, Muiris Curtin (0-01) for McCabe 64, Conn Kehoe for Melville 69, Liam O'Reilly for Dolan 69, Oisin Lynam for Keegan 72.
Laois: Cathal Dunne; Fiachra C Fennell (0-01), Jordan Walshe, Cody Comerford; Padraig Delaney (0-02, 0-02f), Lee Cleere (0-01), Diarmaid Conway; Aidan Corby, James Keyes (0-02); Paddy Purcell (0-02), Tomas Keyes (0-06, 0-05f), David Dooley; Mark Dowling, Jer Quinlan, Ben Conroy (1-02).
Subs: Aaron Dunphy for Tomas Keyes 54, Padraic Dunne for Comerford 60, James Duggan (0-01) for Dowling 62, Ryan Mullaney for Walsh 64, PJ Scully (0-02, 0-01f) for Conroy 66.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The 42
an hour ago
- The 42
Dublin earn dramatic draw in All-Ireland SFC opener with Waterford
Waterford 1-13 Dublin 1-13 A LAST-SECOND equaliser from Kate Sullivan salvaged a dramatic draw for Dublin in a cracking TG4 All-Ireland SFC opener with Waterford in Dungarvan. Despite the absence of top scorer Kellyann Hogan, the Déise led 1-13 to 1-11 with two minutes left. Hannah Power put in a player-of-the-match performance at midfield, captain Emma Murray was magnificent in defence and attack, while Bríd McMaugh kicked four points. But the home side couldn't hang on for their first-ever senior championship win over the Dubs, however, as a Hannah Tyrrell free and that buzzer-beater from Sullivan levelled the contest for the seventh time. A bizarre own goal from Dublin defender Sinead Goldrick saw Waterford enjoy a 1-6 to 0-7 advantage at half time. The experienced defender attempted a back pass to Abby Shiels from a free on 18 minutes, but misjudged it and the ball ended up in the back of the net. Advertisement That uncharacteristic error gifted the Déise a four-point cushion at 1-4 to 0-3. Dublin hit back with the next four points. Tyrrell tapped over two frees while Annabelle Timothy and Kate Sullivan also split the posts. Waterford regained the lead when Bríd McMaugh belted her third point over the blue spot. Chloe Fennell's second free of the afternoon left them two in front at the interval. Tomás Mac an t'Saoir's team could have been further ahead as they kicked six wides. On the restart, Déise skipper Emma Murray won a turnover at one end and slotted a point at the other. Tyrrell brought the sides level on 32 minutes at 1-7 apiece when she finished low under Waterford goalkeeper Katelyn Gardner. Murray added her second point from play before Tyrrell then dummied and pointed. The teams were tied on six occasions in an absorbing second period. Katie Murray and Lauren McGregor edged the hosts 1-13 to 1-11 ahead with time almost up. Dublin didn't panic. Tyrrell converted a late free. Power won a huge kickout for the hosts, but the Sky Blues retrieved possession and Sullivan got her kick away just before the full-time hooter. Scorers – Waterford: B McMaugh 0-4 (1f), S Goldrick (own goal) 1-0, C Fennell 0-3 (3fs), L McGregor (1f), E Murray 0-2 each, K Murray, C Walsh 0-1 each. Dublin: H Tyrrell 1-5 (4fs), K Sullivan 0-4, S Goldrick, A Timothy, C Rowe, S McIntyre 0-1 each. WATERFORD: K Gardner; A Murray, R Casey, C Murray; Á O'Neill, K McGrath, L Ní Arta; E Power, H Power; K Murray, E Murray, B McMaugh; L McGregor, C Walsh, C Fennell. Subs: L O'Shea for Fennell (52), Á Power for Ní Arta (52), M Dunford for McMaugh (55), C McCarthy for Walsh (55), L Mulcahy for A Murray (60). DUBLIN: A Shiels; J Tobin, L Caffrey, N Crowley; H McGinnis, M Byrne, S Goldrick; N Hetherton, É O'Dowd; A Timothy, A Curran, S McIntyre; C Rowe, H Tyrrell, K Sullivan. Subs: R McDonnell for Timothy (HT), N Owens for Rowe (42), C Darby for Curran (43), C Fox for McIntyre (55). Referee: Barry Redmond (Wexford).
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Brian Dowling leads Kildare to Joe McDonagh Cup glory against Laois after questioning his own ability
BRIAN DOWLING said he questioned his own ability to manage Kildare at the start of this season's Joe McDonagh Cup. Now he's celebrating his greatest achievement in management after winning the competition and getting Kildare back into the Leinster SHC. 2 The Kildare team celebrate after they claimed their first ever Joe McDonagh Cup against Laois on Sunday 2 Kildare manager Brian Dowling admitted he questioned his own ability at the start of the 2025 campaign The Lilywhites produced a stunning second-half performance to see off favourites Laois and capture a first ever Joe McDonagh Cup title. Sub Jack Travers and Jack Sheridan grabbed the goals while free-taker David Qualter finished with 0-13. It was a giant collective effort from a team that appeared noticeably fitter as the game wore on. Cian Boran stood tall at the centre of a brilliant defensive effort. Kildare's immediate reward for the landmark win is an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final clash with Dublin next weekend. read more on gaa And they will spend the winter months preparing to return to the Leinster SHC after a 22-year absence. All of which seemed highly unlikely after Kildare's Round 1 defeat to Kerry only seven weeks ago. That was the county's ninth defeat in the McDonagh Cup from nine games across three different campaigns. Kerry ended up being relegated while Kildare went on to win the title though a few 'home truths' needed to be dished out first. Most read in GAA Hurling Dowling, who previously managed Kilkenny to two All-Ireland camogie titles, said: "It's incredible, I can't describe the dressing-room after that Kerry match. "I've been in a lot of dressing-rooms down the years, losing All-Ireland finals and stuff, but that honestly was one of the worst I've ever been in. RTE GAA pundits argue over who started halftime row as Cork eventually topple Limerick in Munster epic final "I didn't know what to say to the lads. It was hard to say anything. I questioned my own ability as a manager, you know, where do you go? What do you do? "We actually met the lads on the Tuesday night and we did no video analysis, like we normally would. We just had a hard chat. "We told a few home truths between ourselves, as players and management. Then we just went back at it. "We actually trained hard afterwards that night and it was the best thing that ever happened." Five wins later - including two against 2024 runners-up Laois - Kildare have achieved one of the greatest triumphs in the county's hurling history. They were actually fortunate to be level with Laois at half-time, 0-11 to 0-11, considering all the point attempts that favourites Laois butchered. And when Ben Conroy bundled home a Laois goal seconds after the restart, leaving the 2024 runners-up three points ahead, and with momentum on their side, it all looked ominous. Kildare's response, just like that turnaround after the Kerry game, was truly impressive, outscoring Laois by 2-15 to 0-8 from there on to win by a 10-point margin. The Travers goal in the 60th minute summed up all that was good about Kildare on the day. Darragh Melville stripped a Laois defender of possession after a short puck-out and worked the ball across to Sheridan whose blocked shot was slammed home by Travers. Sheridan netted himself five minutes later, shrugging off a jersey pull as he darted by Laois defender Ryan Mullaney and shot low past Cathal Dunne. Only for goalkeeper Dunne's excellence earlier, it would have been three goals for Kildare. Dunne pulled off a brilliant double save to thwart firstly Cathal McCabe and then, somehow, Sheridan. Kildare sub Muiris Curtin punched the air in delight when he fired over in the 68th minute, sensing the job was done. Only once has a side coming from the Joe McDonagh Cup won an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final - when Laois beat Dublin in 2019. But if Kildare can repeat this wholehearted performance in Newbridge next Saturday, they'll have a chance. Dowling said: "We'll do everything we can to be ready for it. But look, obviously six days is difficult. If you had two weeks that would be a lot better and would give lads a chance. "These lads are going to be very sore. There were a couple of them, I won't name names, but how they got on the pitch at all I don't know. "We really had to patch them up. We had serious injuries coming into this game but we got through it." Kildare 2-26 Laois 1-19 Kildare: P McKenna; R Hogan, R Boran, D O'Meara; P Dolan 0-1, C Boran, S Leacy 0-1; D Guerin, C McCabe; C Dowling, J Sheridan 1-4, D Qualter 0-13, 11f, 1 65; D Melville, J Burke 0-2, G Keegan 0-3. Subs: J Travers 1-1 for Dowling 59, M Curtin 0-1 for McCabe 64, C Kehoe for Melville 69, L O'Reilly for Dolan 69, O Lynam for Keegan 72. Laois: C Dunne; F C Fennell 0-1, J Walshe, C Comerford; P Delaney 0-2, 2f, L Cleere 0-1, D Conway; A Corby, J Keyes 0-2; P Purcell 0-2, T Keyes 0-6, 5f, D Dooley; M Dowling, J Quinlan, B Conroy 1-2. Subs: A Dunphy for T Keyes 54, P Dunne for Comerford 60, J Duggan 0-1 for Dowling 62, R Mullaney for Walsh 64, PJ Scully 0-2, 1f for Conroy 66.
Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Kildare deliver breathless second-half display to clinch Joe McDonagh Cup and set up date with the Dubs
Joe McHugh Cup final: Kildare 2-26 Laois 1-19 The highs and lows of hurling. Only seven weeks ago, Brian Dowling questioned his ability as a manager after Kildare's Joe McDonagh Cup round one defeat to Kerry . They had been desperate for a win to end their awful record in the competition but slipped to a ninth defeat in nine games across three campaigns. Now, Kerry are coming to terms with relegation while Kildare are the champions. A remarkable mid-season turnaround was capped with a terrific final performance at Croke Park. In truth, Kildare were fortunate to be level with Laois at half-time, 0-11 to 0-11, considering all the chances the O'Moore County failed to take. READ MORE When Ben Conroy bundled home a Laois goal seconds after the restart, leaving the 2024 runners-up three points ahead and with momentum on their side, it looked ominous. Kildare's response, just like that turnaround after the Kerry game, was very impressive. From there, they outscored the favourites by 2-15 to 0-8 to win by a 10-point margin. Jack Sheridan celebrates after scoring Kildare's second goal. Photograph: Bryan Keane/Inpho Substitute Jack Travers and Jack Sheridan grabbed the goals, while free-taker David Qualter finished with 0-13. But it was one giant collective effort from a team that appeared noticeably fitter as the game wore on. Cian Boran stood tall at the centre of a brilliant defensive effort. Kildare will host Dublin in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final next weekend, while Laois, beaten in the final for the second year in a row, will play Tipperary. All of which seemed highly unlikely after that Kildare loss to Kerry. 'That was one of the worst dressingrooms I've ever been in,' said Dowling. 'I didn't know what to say to the lads. It was hard to say anything. I questioned my own ability as a manager, you know. [You're thinking] where do you go from here? What do you do?' I don't know how many times we went wide on the near post; it definitely hurt us — Tommy Fitzgerald Kildare met up on the Tuesday evening afterwards, traded 'a few home truths between ourselves, as players and management' and resolved to do better. Five wins later, they have achieved something special. Next year, they will compete in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship for the first time since 2004. That will take Dowling, a former Kilkenny senior player and county camogie manager, into direct opposition with his own county. 'I definitely didn't think of that when I took on the job,' he said with a shrug. Kildare's Rian Boran in action with Fiachra C Fennell of Laois. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Laois will despair at back-to-back final defeats. They will inevitably focus on their wasteful first half when they hit 11 wides, dropped five score attempts short and had a shot at goal saved. It left them on level terms with Kildare when they should have been well ahead. 'I don't know how many times we went wide on the near post; it definitely hurt us,' said Laois manager Tommy Fitzgerald. The Conroy goal straight off the second-half throw-in, following a great run by Paddy Purcell, left Laois three clear and presented an opportunity to impose their authority. [ Cork prove sky's the limit after conquering Munster with display of ferocious intensity Opens in new window ] But they were outplayed and outfought from there on by a well coached and ravenous Kildare team that produced a stunning second half. Travers's first goal summed up Kildare's desire as Darragh Melville furiously turned over a Laois defender and passed to Sheridan, whose shot was blocked out to Travers to strike home. Sheridan grabbed the second goal himself, shrugging off a jersey pull and darting beyond Ryan Mullaney before rifling low to the net. KILDARE: P McKenna; R Hogan, R Boran, D O'Meara; P Dolan (0-1), C Boran, S Leacy (0-1); D Guerin, C McCabe; C Dowling, J Sheridan (1-4), D Qualter (0-13, 11f, 1 65); D Melville, J Burke (0-2), G Keegan (0-3). Subs: J Travers (1-1) for Dowling (59 mins); M Curtin (0-1) for McCabe (64); C Kehoe for Melville, L O'Reilly for Dolan (both 69); O Lynam for Keegan (72). LAOIS: C Dunne; F C Fennell (0-1), J Walshe, C Comerford; P Delaney (0-2, 2f), L Cleere (0-1), D Conway; A Corby, J Keyes (0-2); P Purcell (0-2), T Keyes (0-6, 5f), D Dooley; M Dowling, J Quinlan, B Conroy (1-2). Subs: A Dunphy for T Keyes (54 mins); P Dunne for Comerford (60); J Duggan (0-1) for Dowling (62); R Mullaney for Walsh (64); PJ Scully (0-2, 1f) for Conroy (66). Referee: M Kennedy (Tipperary).
