Kildare survive Clare onslaught to land intermediate crown

Kildare will compete in the TG4 All-Ireland ladies senior football championship in 2024 after capping a breakthrough year with the intermediate title at Croke Park.

First-half goals from Trina Duggan and Ellen Dowling ultimately propelled Diane O'Hora's side to a landmark win though they were made to battle all the way.

Leading by double scores - 2-10 to 0-08 - with just 10 minutes remaining, Kildare winced as their advantage was cut to just one by a resurgent Clare. Late goals from Fidelma Marrinan and Chloe Moloney hauled the Banner right back but time simply ran out on their brave bid for a fourth title.

There was some victory in defeat at least for Marrinan who finished with 1-05, leaving her as the winner of the ZuCar Golden Boot award which covers all three ladies grades.

Roisin Byrne starred for Kildare with 0-07 and took the Player of the Match award while Neasa Dooley and Claire Sullivan stood out in attack too.

The win caps a brilliant year for Kildare who were previously promoted to Division 2 of the National League, also at Clare's expense, and won the Leinster intermediate title.

A tight game was always likely because when the sides met in that Division 3 league final back in mid-April, extra-time was required. Kildare eventually won the marathon encounter by a point having previously overcome the Banner by just two points in their group.

Kildare entered the final as favourites and, after a shaky start and the concession of two points which were both scored by Marrinan, began to impose their authority.

Byrne struck 10 points for Kildare in that Division 3 league final and was closely tracked this time by Clare full-back Siofra Ni Chonaill. But Byrne still got away for two first-half points from play and the