David Herity’s Kildare side put some early silverware in the cabinet for 2023 as they saw off Meath by 2-24 to 0-18 in Dunganny earlier today to take home the Kehoe Cup.
Outstanding throughout the game, skipper James Burke notched 0-13 for the Lilywhites while Declan Flaherty and Brian Byrne fired in their goals during the opening 16 minutes at the Meath GAA Centre of Excellence.
The visitors showed their intent right from the start, with full-forward Flaherty smashing the ball into the Royals' net inside the first minute.
Meath’s opening two scores came from Podge O’Hanrahan but by the 15th minute Kildare were 2-7 to 0-4 in front, Byrne getting in for their second goal. The home side hit back with points from Eamon O Donnachadha, Damien Healy, O’Hanrahan and Kyle Donnelly but by the break Kildare had opened up 2-14 to 0-10 lead.
The eventual winners tagged on six points in the opening ten minutes of the second half, Meath’s only response was a pointed free from O’Hanrahan.
Meath came more into the game after that and outscored the Lilywhites 0-7 to 0-4 in the final ten minutes. Jack Regan, getting his first taste of action this year, scored four points from placed balls but it was Kildare’s day and they finished top of the table with maximum points from five outings.
After the game Kildare captain James Burke who finished with an impressive tally of 13 points was presented with the Kehoe Cup.
Seoirse Bulfin's charges now turn their attention to the opening round of the Division 2B HL against Wicklow at Pairc Tailteann on February 4th. Kildare take on Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park in Division 2A.
TweetJames Burke Kildare Senior Hurling Captain accepting the Kehoe Cup in the first outing for our new county jersey pic.twitter.com/dqHHuKyFIz
— Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) January 28, 2023