Boran returns to Kildare squad for Walsh Shield final against Kilkenny

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026 - 10:34

Brian Dowling has named the Kildare team that will face his native Kilkenny in the Walsh Shield Final in Callan on Sunay, at 2pm.

Liam O’Reilly comes into the starting the line up after his matchwinning point against Antrim last weekend while Caolan Smith and Alan Goss retain their places.

Among the subs, there is a hugely welcome return to the matchday squad for Conan Boran. He picked up an injury late in the 2024 county final as Naas beat Maynooth and missed the entire 2025 season as result. His return is a testament to the work that he has done during the rehab and is a massive boost to the squad as he will be a key player once again for Kildare if he can get back to anywhere near his best.

It's a novel pairing for Kildare and is just the second time that they will go up against hurling's most successful county and sets the tone for an exciting year ahead.

1. Paddy McKenna – Clane

2. Liam O’Reilly – Naas

3. Rian Boran – Naas

4. Dan O’Meara – Maynooth

5. Paul Dolan - Éire Óg Corra Choill

6. Cian Boran – Naas

7. Alan Goss – Celbridge

8. Daire Guerin – Naas

9. Cathal McCabe – Maynooth

10. Jack Travers – Leixlip

11. Gerry Keegan – Celbridge

12. Caolan Smith – Clane