Kerry 2-22

Kildare 4-18

KILDARE BEAT KERRY 4-18 to 2-22 in an exciting Christy Ring Cup final at Croke Park today.

A Padraig Boyle goal gave Kerry the advantage early on, as they claimed a 1-3 to 0-2 lead inside the opening five minutes.

Paul Divilly, Martin Fitz and Bernard Deay all contributed points to bring the scores level at 0-8 to 1-5 after 18 minutes, before a goal from the penalty spot by Paul Dermody gave his side a two-point advantage.

A Gerry Keegan goal shortly thereafter further extended Kildare’s advantage, before Kerry hit back with a goal of their own through Shane Nolan.

A further point from Thomas Casey meant his side led by the slenderest of margins — 2-10 to 2-9 — at half-time.

Ray McLoughney’s strike restored Kildare’s lead early in the second half, before a fourth goal for the Lilywhites from Deay put them in the driving seat.

However, Kerry continued to add points of their own in the dying stages, ensuring a tense finale, but Kildare ultimately held on to claim a historic victory.

More to follow

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