Dublin and Meath off to a winning start in Leinster

Reigning All Ireland and Leinster SFC champions Dublin got the defence of their Leinster crown underway as they overcame Kildare in a sun-soaked Parnell Park.

Dublin burst into an early lead, 1-4 up after six minutes of play as they dominated early possession. Hannah Tyrrell opened the scoring from a free while Kate Sullivan, Orlagh Nolan and Carla Rowe all got on the scoreboard. Caoimhe O’Connor hit the net inside three minutes, slicing through the Kildare defence to finish.

Kildare were struggling to win their kickouts and maintain possession and didn't get on the scoreboard until nine minutes when Ellen Dowling converted a free.

Dublin were, at times, hungrier for possession and Tyrrell and Rowe kept the scoreboard ticking over for Dublin. Quick thinking from Tyrrell set up Dublin’s second goal as she found Kate Sullivan who blasted to the net on twenty-one minutes.

Jennifer Dunne added a long range point on twenty-four minutes and while Dowling and Niamh Farrelly added a brace of frees, Dublin were comfortably in front at the break leading 2-10 to 0-3.

Sinéad Goldrick made a welcome return to the Sky Blues jersey at half time only to find herself red carded midway through the second half. Dublin got off to the perfect start adding 1-01 early on, Dublin’s third goal coming from the boot of Carla Rowe on thirty-two minutes.

Kildare kept battling away were rewarded for their efforts as Niamh Farrelly found the net twice in the second half. However, Dublin never lost control and with Jennifer Dunne commanding the centre of the field and Leah Caffrey solid in defence, the result was not in doubt.

Tyrrell, Rowe, Dunne, Nolan and substitute Chloe Darby all added further scores to ensure a winning start to their TG4 Leinster