Kildare go up after storming comeback

Kieran McGeeney’s calm expression at the final whistle was in contrast to the delirious hoots of joy from the significant Kildare crowd in Pearse Stadium as they secured promotion to Division 1 in the most dramatic circumstances.

If he had mixed emotions he had every reason: his team had lost a four-point half-time lead after playing against the wind and trailed by four points with six minutes of normal time to go.

Galway looked to be heading straight back up to the top-flight, but from the jaws of defeat and another season in Division 2, Kildare rallied with the introduction of Dermot Earley at the edge of the square proving crucial in their recovery.