McMaugh inspires Waterford to victory in Killarney

Bríd McMaugh scored 1-4, all from play, for Waterford in the league victory over Kerry. Pic: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Lidl National Football League: Kerry 1-11 Waterford2-12 

Holding their own against the strong wind in the first half, an inspired display from outstanding wing-forward Bríd McMaugh inspired the visitors to a well-deserved victory over Kerry in this Lidl NFL (Division 1 Round 2) game at Fitzgerald Stadium.

The Ballymacarbry player, who had to go off injured for a ten-minute spell at the end of the first half, returned on the resumption, finishing with 1-4, all from open play. No matter what they tried, the hosts could never manage to curtail her influence.

As well as that, and despite an equalising goal from top scorer Rachel Dwyer in the 42nd minute (1-9 to 2-6), the defending league champions lost too much ball in contact all afternoon. More efficient in their ball retention, Waterford made it back-to-back victories to start the season strongly.

15 Nóim@kerryladiesfoot 0-04 (4)@WaterfordLGFA 1-02 (5)

Luas lasrach ag Bríd McMaugh chun an cúilín a fháil

McMaugh uses her pace and power to point the ball between the posts

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— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 2, 2026

With wind assistance in the opening half, Kerry hit the ground running with a brace of points, but they were rocked by a Déise goal as early as the fifth minute. McMaugh and Katie Murray were heavily involved, before full-forward Lauren McGregor clinically dispatched the ball to the net.

That green flag, against the elements, totally settled Waterford, and they played with great pace and a sense of abandon throughout the first 30 minutes. Kerry were subdued in their overall performance levels, retiring only on level terms at the break (0-8 to 1-5).

Just two minutes into the changeover, Aine O’Neill and Clare Walsh did the spadework for McMaugh to deftly dink the ball over the head of the advancing ‘keeper Mary Ellen Bolger. Kerry’s response was emphatic, substitute Leah McMahon setting up Dwyer for a goal before the three-quarter mark.

With the sides at parity, Waterford sprinted for the finishing line with an unanswered 0-4, McMaugh with another brace, and Chloe Fennell, with the game’s only orange flag. There was no way back for Kerry, with even the late sin-binning of Waterford sub Hannah McGrath not affecting the result.

Scorers for Kerry: R Dwyer 1-4 (0-1f), S O’Shea 0-4 (0-3fs), N Ní Chonchúir, D O’Leary, J Lucey 0-1 each.

Scorers for Waterford: B McMaugh 1-4, C Fennell 0-6 (0-4fs, 1tp), L McGregor 1-0, K Hogan, K Murray 0-1 each.

KERRY: ME Bolger; E Lynch, C Lynch, A Doherty; J Lynch, A Dillane, K Brosnan; M O’Connell, C Evans; L Boyle, N Ní Chonchúir, R Dwyer; J Lucey, S O’Shea, D O’Leary.

Subs: A Galvin for J Lynch (21), M O’Connor for Boyle (41), L McMahon for NÍ Chonchúir (41), K Ryan for Brosnan (47), M Mulvihill for Lucey (47), N Quinn for Dwyer (55).

WATERFORD: K Gardiner; C Murray, L Mulcahy, R Casey; A O’Neill, K McGrath, R Browne; E Power, E Murray; K Murray, C Walsh, B McMaugh; C Fennell, L McGregor, M Daly.

Subs: K Hogan for McMaugh, temp (21-30), Hogan for Walsh (41), H McGrath for McGregor (53), O Kennedy for Browne (57).

Referee: B Redmond (Wexford).