Kilkenny's Brian Dowling loses out in Allianz Hurling League Final
The O'Loughlin Gaels man saw his Kildare side fall to Down on Saturday
O'Loughlins Gaels clubman and former All-Ireland winning camogie boss Brian Dowling saw his Kildare team lose out to Down in the Allianz League Division 2 Final in Inniskeen.
The Lilywhites look primed to secure the national title when opening up a seven point lead inside the first few minutes of the second half but the Ulster side rallied to eventually take a 4-22 to 3-18 success.
Dowling is joined on Kildare's management team by Richie Ruth who have also been hugely succcessful with St Kieran's College in recent seasons.
Dowling took over from fellow Kilkennyman David Herity in 2023 and scooped the Christy Ring Cup last season before securing promotion to Division 1 in the league prior to Saturday's result.
Among the teams that Kildare will take on in next year's league as well as the upcoming Joe McDonagh Cup is Carlow and Dowling will meet a familiar face with Glenmore's Tom Mullally doing a fine job with the Barrowsiders.