Kildare impress in seeing off Fermanagh challenge in Division 3

Kildare made a flying start to life under new manager Brian Flanagan as they recorded a convincing 15- point win over Fermanagh at Cedral St Conleth's Park.

It the first competitive inter-county game under flights at the newly developed Newbridge venue, an exciting and vibrant Kildare side dominated throughout. Flanagan handed league debuts to three players who won the U20 All-Ireland title under his management in 2023, and included a couple more who had played senior football with previous manager Glenn Ryan, and he was rewarded with a swashbuckling display.

It wasn't all about the youngsters though and former captain David Hyland, returning to the squad after missing the 2024 season due to travelling, was one of a number of experienced players to really perform to a high level.

The new rules on display seemed to really suit and they had players that revelled in the new faster-paced game and both teams saw the benefits of kicking scores from outside the two point arc.

There was a goal scored late in the game after an advanced mark was caught by Kevin Feely and through the advantage played in the aftermath of that, Ryan Sinkey found the net.

There was also a noticeable lack of dissent towards the referee with players on both sides well aware of the severe repercussions of any such actions.

With youngsters Sinkey and Colm Dalton on the scoresheet, the hosts raced into a 0-8 to 0-1 lead by the 19th minute.

Kildare supporters in the packed new stand were enjoying the inventiveness and pace of the home attacks and the lead was stretched out to 0-13 to 0-3 in the 34th minute.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though for the Lilies with most kickouts sent for contests in the middle of the field, possession wasn’t always easily secured. From