Kildare will meet Kerry in the Under 21 Football Final in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday, May 3rd at 7pm. Last Saturday, the team showed great determination in beating a strong Down team in Páirc Tailteann, Navan. Its 32 years since the Kildare footballers have reached the All Ireland Under 21 Final in 1976, which was also against Kerry.
Kildare won their only All Ireland Under 21 Final in 1965.
Kildare 1-10 Down 0-10
A Gavin Smullen goal after 25 minutes was the difference between Kildare and Down in Navan on Saturday evening.
Down were one point ahead at half time, 0-07 to 1-03, but 7 points in the second half compared to Down's three proved decisive and secured a place in the final for the Lilywhites. Kildare Captain Gary White was named Cadburys Man of the Match for a powerful display at centre back.
Manager Glen Ryan will be very proud of the effort of his players and all of them will relish the challenge of facing Kerry in a couple of weeks time.
All-Ireland under-21 Semi-Final Results:
Kerry 1-09 Mayo 1-07
Kildare 1-10 Down 0-10