Kildare crash out to Monaghan by a point

Kildare exited the All-Ireland by a single point against Monaghan in O'Connor Park, Tullamore, this afternoon, in a game mired in controversy by some incredible decisions by the match official.

Leading by a point at half-time Kildare dominated the early stages of the second half opening up an three point lead in the 41 minute with a Neil Flynn free

Darren Hughes reduced the lead; Darragh Kirwan blasted  off the crossbar; Daniel Flynn hit the rebound right and wide.

Jack Mccarronn hit a beauty to leave one it but again Kildare came back, Alex Beirne pushing the lead out to two on 51 minutes.

Gary Mohan converted a mark to leave one in it before Conor McCarthy got forward to level.

On 60 minutes Kildare were back in front through a Neil Flynn but a Jack McCarron free had them level on 72 minutes.

Then on 75 minutes McCarthy got forward again to clinch it for Monaghan.

Final score line: Monaghan 1-11 Kildare 0-13.

Kildare led at the break 0-9 to 1-5 after the sides were level three times in the opening half.

Kildare opened with a Neil Flynn 45 after Daniel Flynn was denied a goal by a defender and help from keeper Rory Beggan But Monaghan found the Kildare net through Conor McCartny after four minutes.

Kildare hit back, level by the tenth withe lead changing hands before the half-time break but then just on the whistle Monaghan had been holding and holding before eventually losing possession and Shea Ryan found Ben McCormack who found Darragh Kirwan who gave Kildare the half-time lead by one 0-9 to 1-5.

A big worry at that stage was Ben McCormack being helped off to the dressing-room but while he did resume he only lasted until the 42 minute before being forced off.

Scorers: Monaghan, Conor McCarthy 1-2, Michael Bannigan (0-3 (2 frees), Jack McCarron 0-3 (1 free), Gary Mohan 0-1 (mark), Darren Hughs 0-1 (free), Rory Beggan 0-1 (free).

Kildare, Neil Flynn 0-5 (3 frees, 45), Ben McCormack 0-4 (1 mark), Alex Beirne 0-2, Darragh Kirwan 0-1, Kevin Flynn 0-1,

MONAGHAN: Rory Beggan; Ryan O'Toole, Kieran Duffy, Dessie Ward; Karl O Connell, Conor Boyle, Conor McCarthy; Karl Gallagher, Killian Lavelle; Stephen O’Hanlon, Michael Bannigan, Ryan McAnespie; Jack McCarron, Gary Mohan, Darren Hughes. Subs: Shane Carey for Ryan McAnespie (ts 33 minutes); Conor McManus for Karl Gallagher (half-time); Ryan Wyle for Ryan O'Toole (58 minutes); Kieran Hughes for Killian Lavelle (ts 40-42); Colm Lennon for Karl O'Connell (ts 59-60); Sean Jones for Shane Carey (70 minutes).

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Mick O'Grady; Shea Ryan, Eoin Doyle; David Hyland, Kevin Flynn, Jack Sargent; Kevin O'Callaghan, Kevin Feely ; Paddy McDermott, Ben McCormack, Alex Beirne; Neil Flynn, Darragh Kirwan, Daniel Flynn. Subs: Jack Robinson for Ben McCormack 42 minutes); Darragh Malone for David Hyland (66 minutes);

REFEREE: Jerome Henry, Mayo.