Kildare Storm Past Dublin to Reach O’Byrne Cup Final

Kildare 1-22 Dublin 1-13

Dioralyte O’Byrne Cup Semi-Final – Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Sat 10 Jan 2026

Kildare delivered a powerful second-half performance to overturn a halftime deficit and defeat an experimental Dublin side by nine points, booking their place in next week’s O’Byrne Cup final against Westmeath. 

Dublin started brightly and were ahead at the interval, leading 1-8 to 0-8 thanks to a well-taken goal from Jamie McCarville in the 27th minute. The Dubs matched Kildare score-for-score during the opening 35 minutes, with Clyde Burke’s long-range kicking and McCarville’s finish proving pivotal in securing the half-time advantage. 

However, the momentum shifted dramatically after the break as Kildare took control. Harry O’Neill’s goal in the 44th minute — a drilled low finish following slick team play — proved the catalyst for a dominant run. The hosts outscored Dublin 1-14 to 0-5 in the second half, with a host of points from both starters and substitutes underlining Kildare’s extra energy and cohesion. 

Kildare’s bench played a significant role, contributing crucial scores from James Harris, Eoin Cully, and Darragh Swords, while top forwards like Alex Beirne and Brian McLoughlin kept the scoreboard ticking. 

Manager Brian Flanagan praised his youthful and refreshed squad for their second-half turnaround, highlighting the positive contributions of emerging players after overcoming a first-half lapse. Despite a number of retirements and injuries affecting his panel, Flanagan expressed confidence in his group’s attitude and performance as they prepare for National League action in the coming weeks. 

For Dublin, the semi-final defeat offers valuable game time for fringe and experimental players under new manager Ger Brennan, with glimpses of attacking promise but too little resistance in the second period. 

Scoring Summary:

• Kildare: A Beirne 0-7 (including frees and a ’45), H O’Neill 1-0, J Harris 0-3, B McLoughlin 0-3, S Doran, D Swords, E Cully 0-2 each.  
• Dublin: C Burke 0-5 (two two-pointers), J McCarville 1-1, D Kettle 0-2, plus points from Moloney, Shaw, Kennedy, C Dolan and N O’Callaghan.  

Referee: Eamonn O’Connor (Offaly).