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.