Royals bow down to lethal Lillies

Lidl National League Division 1

Kildare 2-7 Meath 1-5

Kildare recorded their second win of the Lidl National League Division 1 campaign when they a Meath side managed by former Kildare goalkeeper Shane McCormack in the wind and Abbotstown today.

Having beaten 2023 All-Ireland Dublin already this season, Pat Sullivan's team accounted for the 2021 and 2022 and even with three games left in the division, Kildare have put themselves in a very strong position to retain their place in the top flight for next season.

Second half goals from Ruth Sargent and Alannah Prizeman proved decisive as Kildare ran out worthy winners.

Meath came into today's encounter unbeaten on the back of three wins but their Leinster counterparts Kildare firmly put them in their place with some excellent play throughout.

Kidare played with the aid of the strong breeze in the opening half and despite going in to the dressing rooms two points to the good 0-6 to 1-1 it was Meath's keeper Robyn Murray who was the first half hero with excellent saves from Aoife Murnane, Nessa Dooley and Roisin Byrne.

Kildare did race into an early four point lead with Nessa Dooley (2),Ciara Price and Roisin Byrne all on target. 14 minutes had elapsed before Meabh Byrne had Meath on the board and 60 seconds later Vikki Wall shot low to the Kildare net to level matters. As the clock ran down torrential rain made for difficult conditions. The Kildare side replied as Nessa Dooley and Roisin Byrne assured them of the two point half time buffer.

Two early second half goals from Ruth Sargent and Alannah Prizeman moved Kildare eight ahead and although substitute Emma Duggan added 3 late points it wasn't enough to force a turn around.

Kildare did go the last 19 minutes without a score but they held on for a valuable three points.

Kildare: R Sargent 1-0,A Prizeman 1-0,N Dooley 0-3 (1f),C Price 0-2,R Byrne,A Murnane 0-1 each.

Meath: V Wall 1-0,E Duggan 0-3 (1f),M Byrne,O Sheehy 0-1 each.

Kildare: Mary Hulgraine; Ruth Sargent, Lauren Murtagh, Emma Wheeler; Mia Doherty, Laoise Lenehan, Molly Aspell; Claire Sullivan, Laura Dunlea; Ciara Moran, Gillian Wheeler, Neasa Dooley; Aoife Murnane, Ciara Price, Roisin Byrne. Subs: Alannah Prizeman for Murnane, 29; Aoife Rattigan for Murtagh, 32; Leah  Doran for G Wheeler, 41; Lara Curran for Price, 42; Lisa Shaw for Byrne, 54; Amy Mahon for E Wheeler, 55; Ellen Dowling for Prizeman 49

Meath: Robyn Murray; Áine Sheridan, Sarah Wall, Katie Newe; Niamh Gallogly, Mary Kate Lynch, Clodagh Millington; Nicole Troy, Ella Moyles; Megan Thynne, Orlaith Sheehy, Ciara Smyth; Meadhbh Byrne, Vikki Wall, Kerrie Cole. Subs: Ciara Lawlor for Cole, 24; Emma Duggan for Newe, 37; Karla Kealy for Millington, 42; Megan Collins for Byrne, 54; Tori Foster for Smyth, 57; Aoibhín Cleary for Troy, 59.

Referee: A Clogher (Roscommon)