Carla Rowe leads Dublin to convincing victory over Kildare as Meath show their intent against Laois
Carla Rowe - scored 1-4 for Dublin
All-Ireland and Leinster SFC champions Dublin proved too strong for intermediate holders Kildare at Parnell Park where as Sinéad Goldrick made her comeback return in the Sky Blue jersey only to get sent off.
Dublin set a blistering early pace, taking a 1-4 to 0-0 lead after six minutes with Caoimhe O’Connor hitting the net after slicing through the Kildare defence.
After Neasa Dooley went wide with an early goal opportnity, Ellen Dowling opened their account from a free in the ninth minute.
However, it proved only temporary respite as Hannah Tyrrell and Carla Rowe kept the scoreboard ticking over for Dublin.
Quick thinking from Tyrrell set up Dublin’s second goal as she found Kate Sullivan who blasted to the net and Dublin were full value for their 13-point lead (2-10 to 0-3) at the break.
Goldrick was introduced at half-time but got sent off midway through the second half.
In the meantime, Mick Bohan’s side extended their lead thanks to a third goal, which was finished to the net by the in-form Rowe.
Kildare stuck to their task admirably and Niamh Farrelly found the net twice for them, but an Orlagh Nolan goal from a penalty secured a 4-15 to 2-4 success for the Jackies.
Up next Sunday for Dublin is a trip away to Laois, who sufered a 3-11 to 1-7 defeat to Meath in Navan yesterday.
The Lilies will next take on the Royals whose attack was led by the impressive Marion Farrelly and Emma Duggan who struck for a combined tally of 3-6, while Lauren Kearney hit the Laois goal.
