KILDARE WILL HOST UCD in the semi-finals of the Bórd Na Mona O’Byrne Cup next weekend after overcoming a spirited Carlow side in Newbridge this afternoon to top Group B.
The defending champions played into a stiff breeze in the first half but still managed to go into the break level at five points apiece.
The game remained nip and tuck into the second half before the hosts scored a crucial goal; Seamus Hanafin raising the green flag after great work from Mikey Conway and Rob Kelly and the Lillywhites ran out comfortable 1-11 to 08 winners.
They’ll host UCD in Newbridge next weekend after the students overcame a late Laois rally in Portarlington to claim Group A on scores difference from Wexford.
John Heslin’s goal for UCD proved crucial as Davy Conway, Eoin Lowry and Gary Walsh all netted for the hosts while Mountmellick native Eoghan Keogh made a crucial save for the students late on to deny Laois the win.
Though Wexford had three points to spare over Offaly (0-16 – 0-13) in the other game in Group A to finish level on points with UCD, their +5 points total wasn’t enough to see them into the final four while the second game in Group B saw Longford beat Athlone IT by the smallest of margins, 1-11 to 0-10.
Results
Group A
UCD 1-14 v Laois 3-6, Portarlington
Ref: Damien Maher, Westmeath
Wexford 0-16 v Offaly 0-13, Tullamore
Ref: Derek Fahy, Longford
Group B
Longford 1-8 v Athlone IT 0-10, Ballymahon
Ref: Stephen Murphy, Louth
Kildare 1-11 v Carlow 0-8, Newbridge
Ref: Fergal Kelly, Longford