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23 Apr 2026
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23 Apr 2026
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Laoise Lenehan, Kildare; Leah Caffrey, Dublin; and Niamh Gallogly, Meath; during the launch of the 2026 Leinster LGFA Championships at Killashee Hotel in Naas, Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Kildare face Meath in Round 1 of the TG4 Leinster LGFA Senior Football Championship in Summerhill GFC on Sunday, April 26 at 2pm.
The excitement of summer football and Championship season always springs fresh interest with league campaigns now in the rear view, the Kildare ladies had a peculiar set of seven games to ruminate on after some strong performances which were hindered by big game inexperience that cost them their place in Division 1. Their sole league win was against old rivals Meath in undoubtedly their best display in 2026.
With those now set aside, and seven games under their belt and a much-improved familiarity with the new LGFA rules, Kildare are readying for their Leinster Championship opener with Meath.
In an interview with the Leinster Leader, Kildare captain Laoise Lenehan added: “The Leinster Championship is so unique because it's only the three teams in it, so you actually do end up getting to know the teams really well. I think we played Meath three times last year, and then again in the league this year, so whenever you're going out to play them, you're always kind of looking to get the next win.
“I know Dublin and Meath have contested it the last few years, and they contested the All-Ireland final last year, so we are that bit behind, but we are pushing on, and that is our goal, to get to a Leinster final and to compete, and I do think we are well able to.”
READ FULL INTERVIEW: Lenehan says Kildare ladies are aiming for a Leinster final in 2026
Kildare, as previously stated, got the sole win of their Division 1 campaign against Meath with a 4-8 to 1-10 win over The Royals in Manguard Park.
The tantalising prospect of a Leinster final is also coupled with huge pressure to succeed due to the seeding format in ladies football, which this year sees the Leinster third place team dropped in with the Ulster runner-up and the Connacht champions. The Lilies were the third team in their province last year and produced a superb performance to emerge out of a difficult group by beating then Ulster champions Armagh.
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