Two Kildare players make the GAA.ie Hurling team of the Week once again

For their contributions in Kildare's vital win over Down, Naas pair Cian Boran and Cathal Dowling have made the GAA.ie Hurling Team of the Week.

They follow in the footsteps of teammates Paddy McKenna and Simon Leacy who earned a spot in the previous edition for their outstanding defensive showings against Clare.

Cathal Dowling was the obvious choice after scoring all three of his side's goals in their 3-24 to 1-23 over The Mournemen in Allianz Hurling League Division 1B. It was a game of the utmost importance for The Lilies who took a giant step towards retaining their place in the division with that win away from home. It would be easy to argue that there is scarcely a bad time to raise a green flag, but all three of Dowling’s arrived at pivotal moments in this fixture. The first to settle the nerves having conceded the first two points, the second to build a lead and the third to restore order after the lasting nerves after Kildare’s red card late in the first half.

READ FULL REPORT: Dowling hat-trick helps Kildare secure vital away league victory over Down

Speaking after game, Dowling said: “It is great getting these big performances in. You come off the pitch, you’re tired, you’ve put in a good shift and you get no points for coming close. In terms of a team performance, the likes of Clare is what you are trying to get to so it was great to play at that pace last week and then get the points this week to add onto it.”

He was joined in the amalgam lineup by last year's Joe McDonagh Cup Player of the Year, Cian Boran, who more than earned his place alongside his clubmate. Boran, as he so often is, was exceptional in the middle going in both directions. The centre-back continued his fine form with another dominant display in league action.