Dublin power past Kildare to advance to final

Niamh McEvoy’s first-half goal proved decisive as Dublin progressed to the final of the TG4 Leinster Ladies SFC at Kildare’s expense yesterday.

The 2010 All-Ireland champions ran out comfortable 1-14 to 2-4 winners at Hawkfield but were given plenty to think about by a spirited Kildare team. Kildare were trailing by just a point but McEvoy’s 28th-minute goal helped Dublin to lead by 1-3 to 0-5 at half-time.

Dublin moved up the gears to establish a healthy lead before Áine Gately struck for Kildare’s second-half goal.

Dublin replied, however, with six successive points before Kildare pulled a consolation goal back in stoppage time when keeper Mary Hulgraine beat opposite number O’Connor from a penalty.

On Saturday, Division 4 league champions Longford collected further silverware winning the Leinster intermediate title.

Anne-Marie Bratten and Aisling Reynolds were among the goals at Arklow GAA grounds as the visitors scored a 3-16 to 1-8 victory against Wicklow.

Sligo edged out Leitrim by just a point in a classic Connacht intermediate semi-final at Elvery’s McHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday, winning 4-14 to 3-16 thanks to Emma Hansberry’s last-gasp point.

Ciara Lennon, Shauna O’Hagan and Kelly Mallon scored Armagh’s goals as they defeated Cavan by 3-10 to 2-4 in the Ulster intermediate final in Armagh. In the junior final, Antrim routed Derry by 7-20 to 2-4, Rachael Fulton and Geraldine McCann bagging two goals each.