4th Christy Ring Cup for Kildare

Kildare 2-29 Mayo 0-19

Kildare have won a record fourth Christy Ring Cup beating Mayo  by 2.29 to 0-19 in Croke Park on Saturday.

The gap in ability was evident from the throw-in and the game was over as a contest before half-time.

Kildare captain Brian Byrne, who was hoisting the Cup for a third time after winning also in 2018 and 2020, scored Kildare’s first goal in the 10th minute into the top corner.

James Burke and Gerry Keegan both ended the game with double figure scores as Kildare went into a big lead.

When Cathal Dowling scored Kildare’s second goal in the 32st minute to make it 2-14 to 0-6, David Herity’s team were on their way comfortably and the destination of the Cup was never in doubt.

It was 2-17 to 0-8 at half time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with Kildare cruising to an inevitable win.

Gerry Keegan was flawless with 10 points from play, while James Burke was unerring, hitting 11 points, 6 frees from all distances and a 65.

Team captain Brian Byrne with 1-2, Cahtal Dowling scoring Kildare's other goal.  And, Kildare could have had more goals, such was their dominance,

Niall O’Muineacháin and Paul Divilly have now played in all of Kildare’s four Christy Ring victories.

Kildare now move up to the Joe McDonagh Cup next season and will campaign also in Division 2A of the League

Kildare: Paddy McKenna; Niall Ó Muinacháin, Simon Leacy, Cathal Dervian, Kevin Whelan, Rian Boran, Conan Boran; Cathal McCabe (0-3), Paul Divilly; Gerry Keegan (0-10), James Burke 0-11 (6fs, 1,65), J Byrne, Brian Byrne 1-2, Shane Ryan 0-1, Cathal Dowling 1-1.

Subs: Jack Travers for Derivan, 43; Mark Delaney for Divilly, 44; Jack Sheridan for Ryan, 47; Seán Christiansen for Whelan, 57; Paul Dolan 0-1 for Dowling, 63; Tom Finnerty for C Boran, 63 b/s.

Other Match-day Panel members: Seán Bean, Ross Kelly, Drew Costello, Pat Leahy, Conor Kielty.

**Sub Tom Finnerty was making a remarkable return to the Kildare jersey having last played for the county in 2007 and only returning this season:  must be a countrywide record in any sport!