Kildare not prepared for step up in class, admits Jack O'Connor

Kildare manager Jack O'Connor leaves the field after full-time at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Jack O'Connor put Kildare's difficulties against Meath down to the fact that his team has spent the year playing against second- and third-tier opposition.

Kildare led Meath by 0-10 to 0-4 at half-time in their Leinster semi-final tie but couldn't sustain that effort and were outscored by 5-5 to 0-5 in the second half, ending their year.