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17 Apr 2026
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17 Apr 2026
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Gerry Keegan in action for Kildare at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Brian Dowling has named his starting XV for Kildare's Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship opener against Wexford on Saturday, April, 18 at 6:30pm at Cedral St Conleth's Park.
KILDARE: Paddy McKenna; Liam O'Reilly, Rian Boran, Dan O'Meara; Paul Dolan, Cian Boran, Simon Leacy; Daire Guerin, Conan Boran; David Qualter, Cathal McCabe, Gerry Keegan; Muiris Curtin, Jack Travers, Jack Sheridan.
SUBS: Mark Doyle, Evan O'Briain, James Dolan, Tim Ryan, Harry Carroll, Conn Kehoe, Darragh Melville, Richy Hogan, Caolan Smith, Sean Whelan, Tom Power.
The Lilies face Division 1B opponents Wexford and Dublin first out in Championship before glamour ties against Galway and Kilkenny which Brian Dowling’s men will no doubt be relishing after putting it up to 2024 All-Ireland winners Clare in the league. The Lilies end the league phase of the Leinster SHC against Offaly at home.
The hurling played in the early months of this year was no casual preparation either as Kildare fought to secure their Division 1B status for 2027 with three outstanding wins. Confidence is higher than ever within the group but expectations for Kildare’s chances from around the country are perhaps lower, which they will be hoping might work in their favour.
That lacklustre Wexford clash in the final round of the league is of course the last Kildare hurling outing that fans were privy to but the four-week gap between league and Leinster has facilitated fresh challenges for Kildare with Brian Dowling's men meeting Laois and Waterford in their time away from competitive action.
Those outings paired with some rest for key men ahead of a packed fixture list will hopefully manifest in positive results for the Leinster Championship newcomers.
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