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Irish Examiner
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jimmy Lee on Limerick's journey: 'We're hoping to build something, and it has to be sustainable'
Brian Flanagan's words were for his crew and county. His statement and sentiment, though, was equally applicable to the crestfallen Treaty after their Tailteann Cup defeat on Saturday. 'This isn't the end by any means. It is purely the beginning,' said Flanagan. Kildare have rehabbed and rebuilt and raised themselves to a higher championship rung. Limerick's own house also stands on a solid foundation. That foundation must remain untouched in the months ahead. Another cycle of rebuilding has to be avoided at all costs. Jimmy Lee spoke afterwards of his players forever walking tall despite knowingly committing to a sport that sits fourth in the local pecking order. He now needs to hold onto those players. Twenty-eight Limerick footballers were profiled in Saturday's match programme. Sixteen of them made their championship debut across the last three years. That's the inexperience and infancy you are left with when the player churn is as strong as it has been in recent years on Shannonside. Nineteen players did not recommit after Jimmy's debut 2023 season, 16 more said goodbye at the end of 2024. The turnover this winter, at the very minimum, has to be kept to single figures. Ideally, no one walks and Limerick continue on this path with an unchanged panel that is stronger and tighter for this year's journey. 'These lads, they're special,' said Lee. 'They're mad about the jersey. They have fierce pride and passion in what they do. And sometimes it's not easy to walk tall. I saw an interview with Cillian [Fahy] before the game, and, unfortunately, football is the fourth sport, probably, in Limerick. But they still walk tall. They still put in the effort. 'We were in a shop during the week and people were asking for their autographs. I was talking to a girl yesterday, her young fella plays with Claughan, but this young fella wants to play football again. That's what they have done. 'Coming off the field there and seeing people looking to meet them, that's very special for the boys. Sometimes you don't have that happen, but that's the journey they're on, and that's the journey we'd hope they'd stay on because Division 3 is next year. It's a phenomenally competitive division on paper. But we're hoping to build something, and it has to be sustainable. 'Limerick football has been through peaks and troughs, peaks and troughs. Even if we could get to a flat line and say, you're sustaining it year on year. Whatever we build, it's got to be progressive, looking forward all the time, and sustainable.' That's the bigger picture given due time. The smaller picture was Saturday's 70 minutes. Forty-seven minutes in, Killian Ryan's goal pushed them two ahead. A seven-point swing having trailed by five early in the second period. This lead proved the end rather than the beginning of their second half push. Why so? 'We tried. It was Kildare to a point. We had a few opportunities. I felt if we'd got another score, but we knew some of the lads were tiring as well, the heat, the exhaustion of it. We felt we needed to freshen things up, and we were trying to do that in the middle of trying to keep the scoreboard ticking as well. It's tricky enough because you lose that bit of momentum with subs at times. 'So near and yet so far but wouldn't look back and say it was because of this, that or anything else. I just walked in and said, to a man, they have put their shoulder to the wheel all year, and that's all you can ever ask of them. They died with their boots on.' Every single one of those boots must walk tall again in 2026. Read More Behind the scenes: Inside the Limerick football camp and culture
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Kildare boss Brian Flanagan outlines long-term goal on the back of winning thrilling Tailteann Cup final
BRIAN Flanagan says Kildare's Tailteann Cup success, catapulting them into the 2026 All-Ireland SFC race, is just the beginning. The Lilywhites held off Limerick at the end of a Croke Park roller coaster to secure their first piece of significant silverware since 2012. 2 Captain Kevin Feely had the honour of hoisting the cup 2 Flanagan's men triumphed 2-19 to 1-24 Darragh Kirwan was their main man with 0-8 and was named Man of the Match. Alex Beirne had a big game too with 1-2 while sub Brian McLoughlin had the same sort of impact as he did in the semi-final, blasting three crucial points. There were big displays as well from captain Kevin Feely and Ryan Sinkey as Kildare finally won a trophy at Croke Park. They were beaten there in the Division 3 final earlier this year and had won just eight of their 28 Championship games at Croker since the 2010 All-Ireland semi-final. Read More On GAA Things bottomed out badly for Kildare under former boss Glenn Ryan but Flanagan has picked up the pieces impressively - guiding Kildare back to Division 2 as well as the Sam Maguire Cup race. There were a few nervous moments late on as Limerick got the gap down to three points and chased a goal to force extra-time. But sub Rory O'Brien's shot after the siren had sounded deflected over for a point - instead of the goal required to force extra-time. Flanagan said it's the start of something big for a Kildare group full of former U-20 stars. Most read in GAA Football The Kildare manager said: "We have a really united panel, a really ambitious panel and one that sees this as just the start of something. "This isn't the end by any means of anything - it is just purely the beginning. It is year one of what we hope will be four or maybe more. Watch RTE pundits' contrasting reaction to full-time whistle of Tipperary's epic win over Kilkenny "Winning was so, so important, and lifting silverware, so that you had in your mentality, so you had it in your psyche going forward because there's much bigger challenges that lie ahead for us. "We're going to Division 2 next year and we now have Sam Maguire Cup football nailed on. "What this year has done is proven that we deserve to be there. We've earned our spot in both of them. And we didn't get it easy, we had to beat the best teams." TREATY REGRETS Limerick manager Jimmy Lee insisted that he has no regrets about how things turned out. He said he was simply proud of his side's brave bid to be the first Division 4 team to win the title. But when he looks back on this game he will realise that favourites Kildare were there for the taking. Limerick had plenty of periods of dominance, opening up a 1-3 to 0-3 lead initially and they enjoyed a strong third quarter to lead by two with 20 minutes to go. Even when Kildare hit the afterburners with eight points between the 55th and 64th minutes, the Munster side refused to relent. But they couldn't turn the screw and will rue the 10 wides they kicked, as well as goal chances for Cillian Fahy and Murray late on that were saved. Captain Fahy did at least hit the net early on, helping Limerick open up that three-point lead. They fell into Kildare's slipstream for a spell after that as the Leinster semi-finalists moved 1-10 to 1-3 ahead. Beirne sniped Kildare's goal in the 14th minute after his team won the Limerick kick-out, setting him free to play a clever one-two before netting. Limerick's fightback late in the first-half was impressive and they got it back to a four-point game at the interval, 1-13 to 1-9. PURPLE PATCH Lee's crew were at their best in the third quarter, outscoring Kilare by 1-6 to 0-3 between half-time and the 48th minute. Tony McCarthy scored back-to-back Limerick points, Josh Ryan nailed a two-pointer and Killian Ryan rifled in their second goal - opening up a 2-15 to 1-16 Limerick lead. Their fans dared to dream of a landmark win but they were powerless to prevent that second coming from Kildare in the final 20 minutes. McLoughlin was unfortunate not to start after killing off Fermanagh with five points when he climbed off the bench in the semi-final. And he did something similar again after coming on for Kildare here, scoring a two-pointer and then a single to help wrestle the momentum their way. Kirwan, Colm Dalton and Tommy Gill added vital late points too. Kildare: C Burke; B Byrne, R Burke, H O'Neill; T Gill 0-1, D Hyland, J McGrath; K Feely 0-2, 1f, B Gibbons; C Bolton 0-2, tp, D Kirwan 0-8, 2 tp, C Dalton 0-2; R Sinkey 0-3, A Beirne 1-2, D Flynn 0-1. Subs: J McKevitt for McGrath 43, B McLoughlin 0-3, 1 tp for Gibbons 43, E Cully for Flynn 47, M O'Grady for Burke 66. Limerick: J Ryan 0-3, 1 tpf, 1 45; J Hassett, D O'Doherty, M McCarthy; K Ryan 1-1, I Corbett 0-1, T McCarthy 0-3; T Childs 0-1, D O'Hagan; P Maher, C Fahy 1-1, Neville 0-1; E Rigter 0-2, J Naughton 0-2, 2f, P Nash 0-3, 1f. Subs: B Coleman for Childs 16-20, blood, D Murray for O'Hagan 43, Coleman for Maher 47, R Childs for Rigter 55, T O Siochru for Corbett 61, R O'Brien 0-1 for T Childs 66. Ref: L Devenney (Mayo).
The 42
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Kildare win Tailteann Cup after repelling Limerick's last-gasp attack
Kildare 1-24 Limerick 2-19 NOTHING HAS EVER come easily for Kildare at Croke Park and it was no different in this Tailteann Cup final. They took the title in the end, securing a golden ticket to the 2025 Sam Maguire Cup race. But the Lilywhites were pushed all the way for the big prize and were mightily grateful for the scoring contribution of Man of the Match Darragh Kirwan who registered 0-8. Alex Beirne's 1-2 haul was huge too while, just like in the semi-final, Brian McLoughlin had a big impact when he came on, hitting 0-3. Trailing by two points after Limerick's second goal in the 48th minute, 1-16 to 2-15, Kildare fans wondered if more Croke Park heartache was coming their way after losing the Division 3 final there in March. But eight points in the next 15 minutes or so moved them four points clear and gave them a vital cushion at the death. Limerick, bidding to become the first Division 4 team to win the competition, battled all the way to their credit and got the gap down to just three points when the siren sounded. They had possession of the ball at that stage and chased a goal to level the game but when sub Darragh Murray's shot was saved, Rory O'Brien gathered the rebound and was only able to shoot over for a point – ending the game. Kildare win the Tailteann Cup. In a pulsating finale, Limerick almost snatched a dramatic goal to force extra-time but the Lilywhites put their bodies on the line to survive. 📺 📻 💻 #RTEgaa — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 Kildare were just about good value overall for the two-point win and can reflect on a solid first season under Flanagan who has guided them to 12 wins from 15 competitive games. All the talk beforehand was about the impact of the elements and the searing heat but a stiff wind which aided Kildare initially was even more influential. Kirwan used the wind advantage to drill two two-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and Callum Bolton notched another. Daniel Flynn tried for one too but his effort flew wide. Kildare were in a healthy position at the 20-minute stage with a 1-10 to 1-3 lead, bouncing back in powerful fashion after falling three points behind early on. Kildare's David Hyland gets a block on Emmet Rigter. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Limerick captain Cillian Fahy scored their first goal in the seventh minute, pouncing on the follow up after Emmet Rigter's initial attempt was blocked. Kildare reeled off 1-7 without response between the 11th and 19th minutes to take firm control of the game. The scores seemed to come easier for the Leinster semi-finalists who opened up with some terrific football and punished Limerick with a high press on Josh Ryan's kick-outs. Beirne's 14th minute goal, for example, came after Kildare won a Ryan kick-out and worked the ball back in at pace, Beirne playing a neat one-two before finishing smartly to the bottom corner. Kildare keeper Cian Burke takes a free. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO But just as soon as Kildare had gained apparent control of the game, Limerick came roaring back into it, cutting the gap to just two points at one stage. Now it was their time to enjoy a scoring blitz, reeling off five points in a row. Danny Neville was excellent for them in this period and while Limerick wasted a couple of decent score chances, they still picked off enough scores to haul themselves right back into contention. Advertisement Kildare finished the half stronger, opening up a 1-13 to 1-9 lead at the interval, but Limerick remained in a strong position with the wind advantage to come. And they seized the opportunity with both hands, dominating the third quarter of the game to turn that four-point deficit into a two-point lead with 20 minutes to go, 2-15 to 1-16. Limerick's Tommie Childs is tackled by Kildare's Brendan Gibbons and Brian Byrne. Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO Tom O'Hanlon / INPHO / INPHO Wing-back Tony McCarthy pinched back-to-back points for Limerick before goalkeeper Ryan boomed a two-pointer. Veteran Iain Corbett and Nash added points to narrow the gap and when Killian Ryan netted with a shot that deflected in off Brian Byrne, Limerick supporters were in dreamland with that two-point advantage. But Kildare hit another purple patch just when it counted down the home stretch, wrestling back control of the game. A two-pointer for McLoughlin ignited them and there were timely points too from Kirwan, Tommy Gill, Kevin Feely and Colm Dalton before Limerick whipped up that late drama right at the death. Scorers for Kildare: Darragh Kirwan 0-8 (2 tp), Alex Beirne 1-2, Ryan Sinkey 0-3, Brian McLoughlin 0-3 (tp), Callum Bolton 0-2 (1 tp), Kevin Feely 0-2 (0-1f), Colm Dalton 0-2, Tommy Gill 0-1, Daniel Flynn 0-1. Scorers for Limerick: Cillian Fahy 1-1, Killian Ryan 1-1, Tony McCarthy 0-3, Josh Ryan 0-3 (1tpf, 1 45), Peter Nash 0-3 (0-1f), Emmet Rigter 0-2, James Naughton 0-2 (0-2f), Danny Neville 0-1, Tommie Childs 0-1, Iain Corbett 0-1, Rory O'Brien 0-1. Kildare 1. Cian Burke (Clane) 4. Brian Byrne (Naas) 3. Ryan Burke (Caragh) 2. Harry O'Neill (Clane) 5. Tommy Gill (Carbury) 6. David Hyland (Athy) 7. James McGrath (Athy) 8. Kevin Feely (Athy – Captain) 9. Brendan Gibbons (Kilcock) 12. Callum Bolton (Sarsfields) 14. Darragh Kirwan (Naas) 10. Colm Dalton (Sallins) 13. Ryan Sinkey (Naas) 11. Alex Beirne (Naas) 15. Daniel Flynn (Johnstownbridge) Substitutes: 17. Jack McKevitt (Naas) for McGrath (43) 24. Brian McLoughlin (Clane) for Gibbons (43) 26. Eoin Cully (Carbury) for Daniel Flynn (47) 19. Mick O'Grady (Cill Droichid) for Burke (66) Limerick 1. Josh Ryan (Oola) 2. Jason Hassett (Mungret/St Pauls) 3. Darren O'Doherty (Newcastle West) 4. Mark McCarthy (Fr Caseys) 5. Killian Ryan (Mungret/St Pauls) 6. Iain Corbett (Newcastle West) 7. Tony McCarthy (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) 8. Tommie Childs (Galtee Gaels) 9. Darragh O'Hagan (Mungret/St Paul's) 10. Paul Maher (Adare) 11. Cillian Fahy (Dromcollogher/Broadford – Captain) 12. Danny Neville (Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan) 13. Emmet Rigter (Newcastle West) 14. James Naughton (St Senans) 15. Peter Nash (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) Substitutes: 20. Barry Coleman (Rathkeale) for Childs (16-20, blood) 23. Darragh Murray (Monaleen) for O'Hagan (43) 20. Coleman for Maher (47) 26. Rob Childs (Galtee Gaels) for Rigter (55) 18. Tadgh O Siochru (Monaleen) for Corbett (61) 24. Rory O'Brien (Fr Caseys) for Tommie Childs (66)
RTÉ News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Darragh Kirwan inspires Kildare to Tailteann Cup glory
Kildare will return to the Sam Maguire Cup race in 2026 after a three-year break, turning in a powerful final quarter display at Croke Park to secure the Tailteann Cup title. Brian Flanagan's side have capped a strong season with a rare piece of national silverware having previously gained promotion to Division 2. But the Lilywhites had to battle all the way for this one and were grateful for the scoring contribution of man-of-the-match Darragh Kirwan who struck 0-08. Alex Beirne's 1-02 haul was hugely significant too while, just like in the semi-final, Brian McLoughlin had a huge impact when he came on, hitting 0-03. Trailing by two points after Limerick's second goal in the 48th minute, 1-16 to 2-15, Kildare fans wondered if more Croke Park heartache was coming their way after losing the Division 3 final there in March. But eight points in the next 15 minutes or so moved them four points clear and gave them a vital cushion at the death. Limerick, bidding to become the first Division 4 team to win the competition, battled all the way and got the gap down to just three points when the siren sounded. Kildare win the Tailteann Cup. In a pulsating finale, Limerick almost snatched a dramatic goal to force extra-time but the Lilywhites put their bodies on the line to survive. 📺 📻 💻 #RTEgaa — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 They had possession of the ball at that stage and chased a goal to level the game but when sub Darragh Murray's shot was saved, Rory O'Brien gathered the rebound and was only able to shoot over for a point - ending the game. Kildare were just about good value overall for the two-point win and can reflect on a solid first season under Flanagan who has guided them to 12 wins from 15 competitive games. All the talk beforehand was about the impact of the elements and the searing heat but a stiff wind which aided Kildare initially was even more influential. Kirwan used the wind advantage to drill two two-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and Callum Bolton notched another. Daniel Flynn tried for one too but his effort flew wide. Kildare were in a healthy position at the 20-minute stage with a 1-10 to 1-03 lead, bouncing back in powerful fashion after falling three points behind early on. Limerick captain Cillian Fahy scored their first goal in the seventh minute, pouncing on the follow up after Emmet Rigter's initial attempt was blocked. What a start for the Treaty men! Cillian Fahy reacts quickest to fire them into the lead in their Tailteann Cup final against Kildare. 📺 📻 💻 — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 Kildare reeled off 1-07 without response between the 11th and 19th minutes to take firm control of the game. The scores seemed to come easier for the Leinster semi-finalists who opened up with some terrific football and punished Limerick with a high press on Josh Ryan's kick-outs. Beirne's 14th minute goal, for example, came after Kildare won a Ryan kick-out and worked the ball back in at pace, Beirne playing a neat one-two before finishing smartly to the bottom corner. A strong reponse from Kildare - and they get their goal, a beautifully composed effort from Alex Beirne 📺 📻 💻 — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 But just as soon as Kildare had gained apparent control of the game, Limerick came roaring back into it, cutting the gap to just two points at one stage. Now it was their time to enjoy a scoring blitz, reeling off five points in a row. Danny Neville was excellent for them in this period and while Limerick wasted a couple of decent score chances, they still picked off enough scores to haul themselves right back into contention. Kildare finished the half stronger, opening up a 1-13 to 1-09 lead at the interval, but Limerick remained in a strong position with the wind advantage to come. And they seized the opportunity with both hands, dominating the third quarter of the game to turn that four-point deficit into a two-point lead with 20 minutes to go, 2-15 to 1-16. It's a second goal for Limerick who now lead in the Tailteann Cup final 📺 📻 💻 #RTEgaa — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 12, 2025 Wing-back Tony McCarthy pinched back-to-back points for Limerick before goalkeeper Ryan boomed a two-pointer. Veteran Iain Corbett and Nash added points to narrow the gap and when Killian Ryan netted with a shot that deflected in off Brian Byrne, Limerick supporters were in dreamland with that two-point advantage. But Kildare hit another purple patch just when it counted down the home stretch, wrestling back control of the game. A two-pointer for McLoughlin ignited them and there were timely points too from Kirwan, Tommy Gill, Kevin Feely and Colm Dalton before Limerick whipped up that late drama right at the death. Kildare: Cian Burke; Brian Byrne, Ryan Burke, Harry O'Neill; Tommy Gill (0-1), David Hyland, James McGrath; Kevin Feely (0-02, 0-01f), Brendan Gibbons; Callum Bolton (0-02, tp), Darragh Kirwan (0-08, 2 tp), Colm Dalton (0-02); Ryan Sinkey (0-03), Alex Beirne (1-02), Daniel Flynn (0-01). Subs: Jack McKevitt for McGrath 43, Brian McLoughlin (0-03, 1 tp) for Gibbons 43, Eoin Cully for Daniel Flynn 47, Mick O'Grady for Burke 66. Limerick: Josh Ryan (0-03, 1 tpf, 0-01 45); Jason Hassett, Darren O'Doherty, Mark McCarthy; Killian Ryan (1-01), Iain Corbett (0-01), Tony McCarthy (0-03); Tommie Childs (0-01), Darragh O'Hagan; Paul Maher, Cillian Fahy (1-01), Danny Neville (0-01); Emmet Rigter (0-02), James Naughton (0-02, 0-02f), Peter Nash (0-03, 0-01f). Subs: Barry Coleman for Childs 16-20, blood, Darragh Murray for O'Hagan 43, Coleman for Maher 47, Rob Childs for Rigter 55, Tadgh O Siochru for Corbett 61, Rory O'Brien (0-1) for Tommie Childs 66.
Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'They're going mad online' - Doyle hopes good times returning for Kildare
Considering their geographical locations and respective football traditions, a Tailteann Cup final at Croke Park should suit Kildare and intimidate Limerick. In reality, the opposite may very well be the case. John Galvin may have stated earlier this week that he only played at Croke Park three times in his 15-year Limerick career, but the present team has already played there twice in 2025, and won both times. For some of the Limerick players, their only Croke Park experiences will have been winning ones. Kildare, meanwhile, have found GAA HQ to be a house of horrors. Prior to their laboured Tailteann Cup semi-final defeat of Fermanagh, they'd lost their previous five games at Croke Park, including this season's Division 3 final against Offaly. Stretch it out a little longer and they'd lost 20 of the 27 Championship games they'd played there since the 2010 All-Ireland semi-final against Down. As a player and then selector under Glenn Ryan between 2022 and 2024, Johnny Doyle experienced the Croke Park curs, though the AIB GAA ambassador said it should never be used as an excuse. "It's not something I'd have a huge fear of," said Doyle of the Croke Park factor. "I know it has been said about Croke Park, you know, a half empty stadium and all these different things come into it when you lose, people look for every excuse but I certainly would never have bought into that. "As a player, I loved playing at Croke Park and it didn't really matter whether it was full or not. Obviously when it's full there's a huge atmosphere but that brings its own pressure. Look, the two teams go in under the same conditions and one will win. "So I wouldn't be using that. I wouldn't have any fear about the Croke Park element. It just doesn't wash with me at all. "It's the best stadium, it's the best surface, so you should be able to produce your best football in those conditions and if we come out beaten this weekend, I don't think it'll be down to Croke Park. Others may but I certainly won't, and I wouldn't use it as an excuse." Likewise, Doyle doesn't have much time for the narrative that Kildare should be able to take a Division 4 team like Limerick, albeit the Division 4 champions this year, in their stride. "They'll beat them when they've them beaten and they won't beat them before that," insisted the Allenwood man. "We've been guilty, teams I've been on myself in the past, when people say, 'Oh you should win that' and we don't win and that's the consistency we probably lacked over the last few years." After a difficult few years under Ryan, when Kildare were twice relegated, their large support base craves success. Doyle acknowledged the tough times, particularly after the losses. "I remember one game we lost, after the Laois game when they beat us in the Tailteann Cup last year, and my sister ringing me saying, 'Are you okay?'" said Doyle. "I said, 'Yeah, I'm okay, I'm disappointed'. And she was like, 'It's just that they're going mad online'. "But that's part of it, we just have to accept that but, yeah, it was tough. It was tough for everybody."
