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Leinster MFC Round 2
Saturday March 22nd, 2025
Dublin 4-13 (25) Kildare 2-06 (12)
A wet and soggy Castlemitchell GFC in Athy was the venue for the second round Leinster championship meeting between reigning champions Kildare and contenders Dublin. The driving rain and blustery weather made playing conditions very difficult for both teams.
From the outset it was the visitors who set the tone of the game racing into a four-point lead. Kildare registered their opening score of the game in the 15th minute when Anna Hynes converted a free. Uncharacteristically this point would end up being the home sides only score of the opening period.
Dublin took a 2-09 to 0-01 lead into the dressing room having totally dominated the first half. Molly Bourke and Zara Flood on target for the Dublin goals.
Kildare to their credit got the perfect restart when Tara Rafferty scored 1-02 without reply. During Kildare’s purple patch Dublin did not show any sign of panic retaining their composure throughout. The visitors patience paid off when Gemma Connolly and substitute Rebecca McEvoy both raised green flags in the 18th and 20th minute of the game effectively extinguishing any spark of a Kildare comeback.
When referee Jonathan Murphy blew his final whistle Dublin had thirteen points to spare over their opponents along with three more valuable championship points in the bag.
Elsewhere in the group, Meath defeated Longford by 6-12 to 2-04. Next up on April 6th the final series of group games will take place. Dublin will welcome Longford to the capital while Kildare host Meath. Fixture details to follow.
Dublin: Kalia Behan (Naomh Mearnóg), Katie Hayes (Cuala), Tara Walsh (Kilmacud Crokes), Abaigh Pollock (Thomas Davis), Ciara Sheedy (Fingallians), Hannah Murphy (St Vincents), Keeva O’Donovan (Thomas Davis), Sophie McDonnell (Naomh Mearnóg), Lile Tully (Round Towers Lusk), Molly Bourke (St Brigids), Níadh Mooney (St Peregrines), Charlie Murphy (Ballyboden St Endas) Capt., Ellie Reen (Naomh Mearnóg), Zara Flood (Thomas Davis), Gemma Connolly (Fingallians).
Dublin scorers: Molly Bourke 1-04, Rebecca McEvoy 1-02, Gemma Connolly 1-01, Zara Flood 1-00, Níadh Mooney 0-02, Charlie Murphy, Ellie Reen , Lile Tully, Ciara Sheedy 0-01 each. Dublin subs: Rebecca McEvoy for Zara Flood, Catarina Almeida for Sophie McDonnell, Naomi Crilly for Lile Tully, Saibhín Peyton for Níadh Mooney, Olivia Hanley for Ellie Reen, Phoebe Mackin for Gemma Connolly.
Dublin minor squad: Evelyn Arheit (Foxrock Cabinteely), Abi Ryan (Ballymun Kickhams), Andrea Chapman (Scoil Uí Chonaill), Holly O’Rourke (O’Dwyers), Emma Dowling (O’Dwyers), Ruby Swayne (Round Tower Clondalkin), Róisín Kirby (St Brigids), Charlene Sone Lenou (Naomh Olaf), Zara Kós (Kilmacud Crokes).
Additional Dublin minor panel members: Carrie Whelan (Clanna Gael Fontenoy), Grace McCoy (Naomh Olaf), Kirsten Mooney (Fingallians), Laoise Murtagh (St Maurs) Laura McGlinchey (Na Fianna), Martha Whelan (St Sylvesters.
Kildare: Tiarna Kinahan, Maisie Molloy, Áine McNally, Jane Power, Amy O’Brien, Lucy Cullinan, Emma Earls, Aisling Irhue, Anna Hynes, Cassie Mallon, Tara Rafferty, Aoibheann Birchall, Kate Kealy, Megan Alock, Ailbhe Hennessy.
Kildare scorers: Tara Rafferty 1-04, Lucy Cullinan 1-00, Anna Hynes, Kate Kealy 0-01 each.
Kildare subs: Hannah Merrick for Ailbhe Hennessy, Katie Ray for Cassie Mallon, Ruth Dillon for Megan Alock, Casey Noone for Emma Earls, Lily O’Connor for Jane Power, Emily Gallagher for Aisling Irhue, Lucy Martin for Maisy Malone, Clodagh Berrigan for Kate Kealy, Mischa Conroy for Aoibheann Birchall,
Referee: Jonathan Murphy (Carlow)