No joy for Kildare hurlers as both minor and U21s lose All-Ireland semi-finals

The Kildare minor hurlers and their U21 counterparts were both defeated in agonising circumstances this afternoon, crashing out of their respective All-Ireland B Championships at the semi-final stage to Meath and Wicklow.

The minors, much like last week in their win over Kerry, put in a stirring comeback against Meath in Trim, but they ultimately came up short on a scoreline of 2-15 to 2-12. The Royals led by 2-10 to 0-4 at the break after having a stiff breeze at their backs, but Kildare came out in the second half and pushed their opponents all the way as they outscored them by 2-8 to 0-3.

Goals from Mikey Cullen and Brian Dowling helped Meath to surge well clear in the first half, while Kildare's only scoring threat was coming from the free-taking ability of Naas man James Burke.

They grabbed a lifeline eight minutes into the second half however, with Brian Tobin netting a goal that was soon followed by further scores from Burke and Sean Cullen as the Lilywhites grew into the game. When Kevin Aherne bagged Kildare's second goal 10 minutes from time to narrow the gap to three points, they looked destined to go on to win as they held all the momentum. Meath's resolve was impressive however, and finished strongly as Nicky Potterton and Daire Gilmartin both popped up to land crucial scores that saw them over the line.

The U21 hurlers travelled to Arklow to take on Wicklow for a place in the All-Ireland final in Semple Stadium against Kerry. Kildare won this competition as recently as 2014, and they looked well placed to progress when they powered into a 0-6 to 0-3 lead after 20 minutes, but Wicklow regrouped and powered towards a half-time advantage of 0-8 to 0-6.

It was equally as tight in the second half but Wicklow emerged with a 0-15 to 0-13 win to end the Lilywhites' season.