Kirwan returns for Kildare in place of suspended Beirne

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 - 13:22

Brian Flanagan has made just one change to his starting line up for Sunday's visit to Kingspan Breffni to take on Cavan.

It's an enforced change on one hand as Alex Beirne misses out through suspension after his appeal against last weekend's red card against Derry was rejected during the week but on the other hand, Flanagan will be delighted to call upon Darragh Kirwan once again. Kirwan, now vice-captain of the team, has had surgery since the end of last season but is back to full fitness and made his return as a second half substitute during last week's game.

The options on the bench are further strengthen by the first appearance of the year in a match day squad for Colm Dalton and Tommy Gill, with Daragh Mangan the unlucky one to miss out.

It's a potentially pivotal game in this season's Division 2 campaign. A win for Kildare would see them move five points clear of Cavan and almost certainly safe from relegation but if the hosts were to prevail there would be just a point between the teams near the foot of the table. All to play for!

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2

CAVAN V KILDARE

KINGSPAN BREFFNI, SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY, 3PM

1. Cian Burke – Clane

2. Harry O’Neill – Clane

3. Padraic Spillane – Athy

4. Ryan Burke – Caragh

5. James Harris – Castlemitchell

6. Eoin Lawlor – Naas

7. Brian Byrne – Naas

8. Kevin Feely © – Athy

9. Brendan Gibbons – Kilcock