Kildare Senior Football Manager Glenn Ryan has stepped down in the wake of his side’s Tailteann Cup last eight defeat to Laois in Tullamore. In a brief statement on X, Kildare GAA thanked Ryan and his coaching team for their commitment and dedication over the past three years.
Goals from Mark Barry and Evan O’Carroll were the difference as Laois saw off the Lilywhites 2-11 to 0-12 to set up a semi-final clash with Andy McEntee’s Antrim next weekend.
The first half was an even affair at O’Connor Park as the visitors led 0-3 to 0-2 before Barry expertly converted a penalty to give his side the lead with the first goal of the day in the 18th minute.
However, the Lilywhites struck back with points from Kevin Feely and Darragh Kirwan being cancelled out by Barry and Conor Heffernan eventually sending the sides in at the break level at 1-4 to 0-7.
The early stages of the second half were always going to be crucial and the hosts came out fastest registering four quick-fire points to open up a lead, only for a pair of frees from Shane Farrell cutting the advantage to two.
The hitherto tight, back-and-forth affair was opened up and, ultimately sealed by O’Carroll’s goal on 57 minutes which means that his side will face the Saffrons at Croke Park next week while Down will take on Sligo. All four teams will be hoping to be back on the Jones Road for the final, details of which will be announced on Monday.
