Kildare all about the marginal gain

The championship clash with Louth is the immediate, mind-focusing goal for Kildare’s footballers but crucially, raising standards of preparation for more sustained, longer-term competitiveness continues.

Kieran McGeeney was moved on after a six-year tenure that brought the Lilywhites from never-rans to serious contenders and there were fears his removal as manager would lead to a less professional approach at senior level.

The underage structures had been solid for some time since the establishment of the development squads, and the results in the quality of player stepping up have been largely positive.