Kildare SFC: Athy shake off Caragh after stern test

Athy had their expected win over Caragh to advance to the Kildare SFC semi-final with a six point win at Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, this afternoon, but the boys in red were certainly made to work hard for their victory and although fully deserved it went deep into the second half before they finally shook off Michael Browne's side.

Level at the break 0-3 apiece, Caragh took the lead with a Darragh Swords two-pointer and while Athy hit back with a point it took a penalty in the 37 minute from Kevin Feely to put Athy in front.

Dan Lynam replied with a two-pointer but Athy hit back with a Colm Morlan punched goal, adding a third in the 61 minute from Conor Doyle.

Final score: Athy 3-7 Caragh 0-10.

Scorers: Athy, Kevin Feely 1-0 (penalty), Colm Moran 1-0, Conor Doyle 1-0, Niall Kelly 0-3 (3 frees), Barry Kelly 0-2, Ben Purcel 0-1, Cian Keaveney 0-1.

Caragh, Darragh Swords 0-8 (2 two-pointer frees, 2 frees), Dan Lynam 0-2 (two-pointer).

ATHY: Shane Jackan; Sean Moore, Darren Lawler, Michael Spillane; Brian Maher, Cathal McCarron, James McGrath; Kevin Feely, David Hyland; Colm Moran, Barry Kelly, Conor Doyle; Ronan Kelly, Paudie Behan, Niall Kelly. Subs: Ben Purcell for Paudie Behan (26 minutes); Cian Keaveney for Ronan Kelly (44 minutes); Sean Bride for Barry Kelly (57 minutes); Liam McGovern for Colm Moran (63 minutes).

CARAGH: Michel Behan; Cathal McKennedy, Matthew McNally, Billy Byrne; Conor Sullivan, Ryan Burke, Paul Dockery; Kevin Connor, Dan Lynam; Josh Gannon, Darragh Swords, Dan Murray; Ronan Doorey, Liam Blake, Kevin Campbell. Subs: Mick O'Toole for Liam Blake (40 minutes); Billy Kelly for Josh Gannon (49 minutes); Austin Nevin for Dan Murray (53 minutes); Fergal McKennedy for Kevin Campbell (63 minutes); Dan Campbell for Matthew McNally (63 minutes).

REFEREE: Brendan Cawley.