Kildare ladies batten down the hatches

Kildare caused a shock at St Brendan’s Park in Birr yesterday afternoon by dumping 2010 and 2011 semi-finalists Laois out of the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies senior football championship on a 0-11 to 0-9 scoreline.

Goalkeeper Mary Hulgraine was in inspired form for the winners — denying Mary Kirwan with a magnificent save six minutes from time before keeping out a long-range effort from Tracey Lawlor in the final minute.

And Kildare rode their luck too in the second-half as Laois sub Aisling Kehoe sent a shot crashing off the upright in the 42nd minute.

Laois were rocked a minute later when full-back Aisling Quigley received a yellow card and was sin-binned for 10 minutes. That proved crucial as Kildare, with the extra player, reeled off three unanswered points to move 0-11 to 0-8 clear.

Meanwhile Clare came from seven points down to claim victory in an enthralling All-Ireland ladies minor B football final against Roscommon to win 4-16 to 3-11.

The Banner County captured a first All-Ireland minor crown since 1990 following a goal-fest.

Elsewhere, Dublin claimed the All-Ireland minor A ladies football title for the second time with a two-point victory against Tyrone, 3-9 to 3-7.