KILDARE’S minor footballers begin the defence of their Leinster title tomorrow afternoon in Aughrim when they take on Wicklow (throw in 3pm).

Brian McLoughlin and Ciaran Kelly lead the celebrations following Kildare’s Leinster minor final victory last year
Photo: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Brendan Hackett, now in his third year in charge of the team, saw his side lift the title last year after beating Longford at Croke Park.

That was the second provincial title in three years for Kildare and they are also looking to become the first county to reach four successive finals since Dublin managed that feat in 1998-2001.

Hackett has named his team for the game and it looks to possess a very potent full forward line. Jimmy Hyland, Ciaran Kelly and Brian McLoughlin were key players for last year’s team and will be a threat for any team again this year.

Kelly and McLoughlin are joined in the forward line by their Scoil Mhuire Clane schoolmate David Kelly, from the Carbury club. All three were involved with their school when they were seconds away from reaching a Leinster final earlier this year.

There is a strong Newbridge representation through the spine of the team. Moorefield team mates Mark Dempsey and Tom Connolly are at full back and centre back respectively while in midfield the towering Aaron Masterson, such an important figure in Moorefield’s county minor winning team last year, will partner Sarsfields’ David Marnell.

Luke Mullins (Naas); David Shaw (Naas), Mark Dempsey (Moorefield), John O’Toole (Monasterevin), Tony Archbold (Celbridge), Tom Connolly (Moorefield), Sam Doran (Johnstownbridge); Aaron Masterson (Moorefield), David Marnell (Sarsfields); Cian Costigan (Sarsfields), David Kelly (Carbury), Niall Murphy (Ballymore), Ciaran (Clane), Brian McLoughlin (Clane), Jimmy Hyland (Aylmer Gaels).

Fixtures elsewhere:

Dublin v Offaly, Parnell Park, 12pm
Westmeath v Longford, Cusack Park, 2pm
Kilkenny v Wexford, Nowlan Park, 3pm
Laois v Meath, O’Moore Park, 3pm
Carlow v Louth, Netwatch Cullen Park, 3pm