Kildare crowned Tailteann Cup champions

Alex Beirne of Kildare scores his side's first goal during the Tailteann Cup final match between Kildare and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Alex Beirne of Kildare scores his side's first goal during the Tailteann Cup final match between Kildare and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Close and exciting but The Lilies get over the line by two points

Kildare were crowned Tailteann Cup champions following a two-point win over Limerick at Croke Park this afternoon.

It was a game that ebbed and flowed throughout and while Kildare got over the line at the end of the day they were more than happy to hear the final hooter as Limerick fought to the bitter end.

Kildare opened the scoring with an Alex Beirne point, it was Limerick who took early control with a fine goal from midfielder Tommie Childs after seven minutes.

Kildare, hit back with a two-pointer from Darragh Kirwan and a second point from the Naas man to level it on 12 mintes.

Kildare then took control with three points from play and brilliant goal from Alex Beirne to lead 1-10 to 1-3 after 16 minutes.

However Limerick got a grip in the middle and reduced the gap back to three on 26 minutes.

The next four points were shared before Ryan Sinkey punched over a point after the hooter to send Kildare to the dressing rooms leading by four 1-13 to 1-9.

Kildare led by just one point on 46 minutes but a great Killian Ryan goal put Limerick back in the driving seat but a brilliant two-pointer from substitute Brian McLoughling tied it up and while Limerick regained the lead Kildare pushed on with three points on the trot.

Limerick pointed again but three points for the all-whites opened a four point lead on 63 minutes with man of the match Darragh Kirwan leading the charge.

With time ticking Limerick came again, missed a few points before a pointed free left three in it and a late point from Rory O'Brien has the hooter sounded and Kildare were crowned Tailteann Cup champions on a final score line of Kildare 1-24 to 2-19.

Scorers: Kildare, Alex Beirne 1-2, Darragh Kirwan 0-8 (2 two-pointers); Brian McLoughlin 0-3 (1 two-pointer), Callum Bolton 0-2 (1 two-pointer), Kevin Feely 0-2 (1 free), Colm Dalton 0-2, Ryan Sinkey 0-3, Daniel Flynn 0-1, Tommy Gill 0-1.

Limerick, Killian Ryaan 1-1, Killian Fahy 1-1, Emmet Rigter 0-2, Peter Nash 0-3 (1 free), Danny Nevillle 0-1, Tommie Childs 0-1, Tony McCarthy 0-1, Josh Ryan 0-2 (two 45s), James Naughton 0-2 (2 frees), Ian Corbett 0-1, Tony McCarthy 0-2, Rory O'Brien 0-1.

KILDARE: Cian Burke; Harry O'Neill, Ryan Burke, Brian Byrne; Tommy Gill, David Hyland, James McGrath; Kevin Feely cpt, Brendan Gibbons; Colm Dalton, Alex Beirne, Callum Bolton; Ryan Sinkey, Darragh Kirwan, Daniel Flynn. Subs:

LIMERICK: Josh Ryan; Jason Hassett, Darren O'Doherty, Mark McCarthy; Killian Ryan, Iain Corbett, Tony McCarthy; Tommie Childs; Darragh O'Hagan; Paul Maher, Cillian Fahy, Danny Neville; Emmet Rigter, James Naughton, Peter Nash. Subs: Barry Coleman for Tommie Childs (ts 15-18 minute);

REFEREE: Liam Devenney.