Tailteann Cup is 'our All-Ireland' says Kildare manager Glenn Ryan after opening day win

The relief of the Kildare forwards’ after The Lilies’ Tailteann Cup opener against Longford could perhaps only be matched by that of manager Glenn Ryan as the media descended upon him following a win for just the second time this year.

Ryan said, “We have all been looking to see what we have been lacking, and when you get your shooting boots on it makes an awful difference. It shows all the other work (that is done too) and the two of them add up to something.

“There is no rocket science to it, I think we had about 80% shooting conversion rate today and 17 out of 19 in the first half, which gave us a great platform. We all look to see what’s wrong and where things go wrong. But if you can put the ball over the bar. Particularly when you have fellas capable of doing it and they did it today thankfully.”

Those statistics are enormously encouraging for Kildare, but there is no doubt Longford’s limitations aided their arrival. The visitors looked quite a few steps off The Lilies and the freedom they enjoyed when taking aim will have boosted their shooting numbers, especially compared to facing a well-drilled Louth side. That being said, if games like these can help build confidence in front of the posts for tougher games ahead, then that can only be a good thing.

The next subject for the Kildare boss to tackle was the venue and while Manguard Park did seem to benefit Kildare after they requested it for this game, Ryan was generally dismissive of its importance. He said, “I’m sure it was a help, but they are still the same sized goalposts. Look, it was great that the fellas showed what they are capable of from a shooting perspective and showed all the hard work they have been doing defensively.”

A standout feature of Kildare’s performance, particularly in the first half, was their work-rate. The Lilies’ intensity in looking to turn over possession was up a notch early on in this game, and was only increased as the first half wore on as they realised there were scores to be had against this Longford side.

“It was going to be difficult to get ourselves right for this (Tailteann Cup) and it was going to be hard work for the players,” Ryan said.

“It was going to take a performance to prove to each other that we are ready and where we need to be to make an assault on this, which is our All-Ireland. They really showed that out there today that whatever is put in front of us that we are going to work hard and do what we can do.”

Another positive from Kildare’s Tailteann Cup opener was the awarding of Championship debuts to three players. Brendan Gibbons, who started the game, Killian Galligan and Darragh Swords all got their first Championship appearances for their county against Longford. They will be hoping their respective showings may earn them a place in the team for Waterford next Saturday.

The Lilies travel to Fraher Field, Dungarvan for a 5pm throw-in.