Allianz HL D1B: Clare survive tricky Kildare test

Mark Rodgers, Clare, and Rian Boran, Kildare, in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Clare 0-27 Kildare 3-14

By Ger McNally at Cedral St Conleth's Park

Clare eventually saw off Kildare on a horrendous evening for hurling at Cedral St Conleth’s Park, but only after they were pushed to the pin of their collar.

The 2024 All-Ireland winners had beaten Down by 29 points in their last outing, but from the very early moments of this game it was obvious that Kildare were not going to be brushed aside in similar fashion.

Indeed, they took control of the game early on with goals from Cathal McCabe and Jack Sheridan inside the opening 12 minutes. Sheridan’s effort encapsulated the quality of Kildare’s hurling throughout the evening, as the Naas man finished off a move that cut through the Clare backline, with Gerry Keegan providing the final pass.

The visitors, backed by an enthusiastic and sizeable travelling support, had their goal chances too, but Shane Meehan, after 20 minutes, and Tony Kelly, 12 minutes later, were both denied by Kildare goalkeeper Paddy McKenna from similar positions.

Kildare led 2-8 to 0-12 at half-time, and points from Sheridan and Muiris Curtin after the restart extended their advantage.

Gradually, however, Clare began to get on top, with each of their substitutes making a significant impact. Tony Kelly bookended a run of four points for his team as part of his total of eight, bringing Clare level in the 46th minute.

Gerry Keegan replied for Kildare before two points from substitute Cathal Malone put Clare ahead for the first time since the fifth minute as the game entered the final 20 minutes.

Another spell of six points in a row proved decisive for the Banner County, but rather than buckle under the onslaught, Kildare hit back with points from Sheridan and the excellent David Qualter. They then grabbed a consolation goal in injury-time when Sheridan blasted a 20‑metre effort to the net.

The result leaves Clare well positioned with four wins from four, but the performance will give Kildare great confidence ahead of crucial upcoming games against Down and Carlow.

Clare: Eamonn Foudy; Dylan McMahon, Conor Cleary, Conor Leen; Diarmuid Ryan, John Conlon, Niall O’Farrell; Diarmuid Stritch 0-2, Ryan Taylor 0-3; Colm O’Meara, Tony Kelly 0-8, Senan Dunford 0-3, Shane Meehan 0-1, Mark Rodgers 0-7 (6f), David Fitzgerald.

Subs: David McInerney for Fitzgerald h/t; Cathal Malone 0-2 for Conlon h/t; Jack O’Neill 0-1 for O’Meara 45; Ross Hayes for Leen 49; Ian Galvin for Dunford 64.

Kildare: Paddy McKenna; Simon Leacy 0-1, Rian Boran, Liam O’Reilly; Paul Dolan 0-1, Cian Boran, Dan O’Meara; Daire Guerin, Cathal McCabe 1-0; Conan Boran, Gerry Keegan 0-3, Jack Sheridan 2-4 (1-4f), David Qualter 0-3, Cathal Dowling 0-1, Muiris Curtin 0-1.

Subs: James Dolan for Curtin 17–38; Alan Goss for Guerin 48; Conn Kehoe for Dowling 60; Richy Hogan for Keegan 68.

Referee: Brian Keon (Galway).