Kildare cruise into the final eight of the Kennedy Cup

The Kildare District Underage League have qualified for the 2026 Kennedy Cup quarter-finals after topping their group with three wins from three matches at the University of Limerick.

After opening their campaign with an impressive 3–0 victory over Lisburn on Monday evening, the Under-14 side followed up with two more excellent wins against Sligo/Leitrim and Wexford on Tuesday to book their place in the last eight.

Mal Watson’s side began their Group Three campaign against Lisburn, and two goals in the space of three first-half minutes put them firmly in control. Kayden Maloney (Derry Rovers) turned provider for Monasterevin’s Hugh O’Loughlin, who opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Three minutes later, Kildare doubled their lead through Dexter Powell after good work from Alex White.

White then capped off a dominant performance by adding a third goal in the second half, ensuring a winning start and setting Kildare up perfectly for their early Tuesday clash with Sligo/Leitrim.

That game proved more challenging than the opener. In a cagey contest, Sligo/Leitrim took the lead through Bran Beglane just before half-time. However, a strong team talk sparked a dramatic Kildare response after the break.

Ryan Keavney equalised on 37 minutes following good play from Jamie Piggott, before Alex White struck twice—on 49 and 56 minutes—to turn the game on its head. Keavney added his second and Kildare’s fourth in the closing moments to seal a 4–1 victory.

Kildare entered their final group match against Wexford at a showery UL venue knowing that top spot was in their own hands—and they did not disappoint.

Dexter Powell opened the scoring inside two minutes, giving his side the perfect start. Three minutes into the second half, Ryan Poole doubled the advantage after being set up by Alex White. White then rounded off another standout display by adding a third goal in the second minute of stoppage time, confirming both the win and top spot in the group.

Kildare can now look forward to the quarter-final draw later today as they await their opponents in the last eight.