New test for Lilies’ revival

When I think of where the Kildare footballer is now are now compared to where he was last August, I’m reminded of the phrase first popularised by the cigarette brand Virginia Slims back in the 60s — “You’ve come a long way baby”.

After early season success in the O’Byrne Cup, Kildare have gone on to beat three of the last four All-Ireland winners in the league and now have a chance to turn over the fourth member of that gilded club this weekend.

Who would have thought that so many of the players who floundered in Cork’s wake last August in Croke Park would be back with such a spring in their step so soon? They’ve come a long way, indeed.