Relief and joy for Feely as Kildare book Tailteann Cup semi-final spot

Saturday's victory over Offaly brought a mixture of relief and anticipation for Kildare’s latest Captain Fantastic, Kevin Feely.

Relief at overcoming the Faithful County at the third attempt in 2025 and anticipation for a Tailteann Cup semi-final against Fermanagh in Croke Park on Sunday.

“I’m absolutely delighted, it’s pure relief at the moment,” he told the Kildare Nationalist immediately after the game. 

“It was a tough auld saga out there and we always knew that was going to be the case. We wouldn't have been able to accept losing a third time, especially in Newbridge. We just couldn't let it happen,” the Athy man added. 

Reflecting on the game the captain said, “We showed that courage and that desire to get over the line today because at different stages in the game Offaly came back and they had that two-point threat and they took advantage of it. They fought so hard there and the momentum was shifting but we managed to wrestle it back. I’m just really, really, proud of the group and being able to get over the line with that one because that was our toughest battle yet.” 

One of the highlights of the game was the first half goal by Feely’s clubmate, James McGrath, a turning point in the game for the Lilywhites. 

“An unbelievable goal,” Kevin Feely remembered. 

“It looked like he was stuck and he just found a way to get through. In fairness to James, he played with his heart on the line today, everything he did was full hearted, full blooded. He got through contact when it looked like he was in awful trouble and I suppose that was typified by the goal. Hopefully he keeps making a habit of that now as that's two in two games, so yeah, Please God he keeps that going.” The introduction of experienced players like Kevin Flynn and Mick O’Grady had a telling impact on the game according to Kevin Feely. 

“I have to admit with 15 minutes to go I was nearly flagging and I was thinking where are we going to get this energy from. Then when I saw the lads that were coming on, the lift it gave was unbelievable,” he said. 

“That's the value of having the squad we have and the depth in the panel. In training, you should have seen some of the in-house matches that we had and how competitive and tight that they were. I'm not surprised that the bench came in and had the impact they had.” 

The Kildare captain was thrilled to be back in Croke Park for a Tailteann Cup semi-final. “Yeah, brilliant feeling and we have a lot of, I suppose, kind of redemption on our minds when it comes to Croke Park. We just cannot wait to get back up there and hopefully express ourselves to the full,” he said.