Champions are up and running

REIGNING All Ireland and Leinster SFC champions Dublin got the defence of their Leinster crown underway today as they overcame last year’s All Ireland and Leinster Intermediate Champions Kildare 4-15 to 2-4 in a sun-soaked Parnell Park, reports Aisling Clery.

Dublin skipper Carla Rowe hit 1-4 of Dublin’s tally while Orlagh Nolan hit 1-3 for the Sky Blues.

Dublin burst into an early lead, 1-4 up after six minutes of play as they dominated early possession.

Clondalkin girl 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, but they did get an opportunity on eight minutes when Neasa Dooley turned her marker and blasted the ball across the Dublin goals only to trail wide.

Kildare did get on the scoreboard on 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 never gave up though with Neasa Dooley doing all she could to set up Kildare attacks while the industrious Mia Doherty worked hard in the Kildare defence.

They 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 campaign.

Next up next Sunday for Dublin is a trip away to Laois, while Kildare journey to Meath.

Lucan’s Abby Shiels started in goal for Dublin while Olwen Carey started at centre back.