Leinster MFC: Dublin too strong for Kildare in decider

For the second year in a row Kildare have been beaten in the Leinster MFC final, and just like 12 months ago it is Dublin who are crowned Leinster champions.

In the end there was five points separating the sides but in fairness Dublin were certainly not flattered by their winning margin.

After an even opening quarter when the sides were level at 0-3 apiece, Dublin stepped on the gas the put some daylight between them and Kildare, leading at the break 0-9 to 0-3.

Kildare certainly upped their game in the second half and while they never really threatened to win the game they kept Dublin at their task. 

Goals from Evn Boyle and Tadhg Donlan gave The Lilies some hope but in the end there was no denying The Dubs as they won the title on a final score line of  Dublin 0-19 Kildare 2-8.

Kildare will now go on to the All-Ireland quarter-final when they take on the winners of the Munster MFC (Kerry v Cork) a game fixed for this Friday and the quarter-final provisionally fixed for Saturday week,

Scorers: Dublin, Lenny Cahill 0-6 (3 frees), Noah Byrne 0-3, Luke O'Boyle 0-2 (45), Shane Mullarkey 0-2, Alex Carolan 0-1, Sean Keogh 0-1, Senan Ruan 0-1, Ryan Mitchell 0-1, Joshua Young 0-1, Harry Curley 0-1.

Kildare, Tadhg Donlan 1-1, Evan Boyle 1-0, Cathal Moore 0-2 (2 frees), Joey Cunningham 0-2 (1 free), Harry Redmond 0-1, Evan Donnelly 0-2.

DUBLIN: Cillian Murray; Sean Keogh, Cillian Emmett, Jack O'Sullivan; Joshua Young, Eoghan Costello, Ryan Mitchell; Senan Ryan, Alex Carolan; Patrick Coleman, ,Luke O'Boyle, Noah Byrne; Paddh Curry, Harry Curley, Leny Cahill. Subs: Shane Mullarkey for Paddy Curry (43 minutes); Ciaran O'Connor for Joshua Young (50 minuts); Andrew O'Reilly for Patrick Coleman (51 minutes); Colin McAweeney for Luke O'Boyle (60 minutes).

KILDARE: Cathal Moore (Sarsfields); Liam Kelly (Milltown), Rob Murray Jt Cpt (Naas), Colm Moran (Athy); Seanan Murphy (St. Laurence's), James Donnelly (St. Laurence's), Michael Chambers (Maynooth); Evan Boyle (Carbury), Joey Cunningham Jt Cpt (Allenwood); Darragh Mullahy (Clane), Tadhg Donlan (Round Towers), Colm Moan (Athy); Donnchadh Kinch (Castledermot), Harry Redmond (Sarsfields), Evan Donnelly (Ellistown). Subs: Cain Keaveney (Athy) for Darragh Mullahy (half-time); Liam O'Connor (Naas) for Rob Murray (half-time); Paul O'Dea (Maynooth) for Donnchadh Kinch (halaf-time); Jack McCabe (Castlemitchell) for Seanan Murphy (40 minutes)'; Ronan Kelly (Athy) for Evan Donnelly (56 minutes).

REFEREE: Andrew Smith.