Glenn Ryan was both delighted and relieved after Kildare’s dramatic Leinster SFC quarter-final victory over Wicklow.

Wing back Jack Sargent fisted over the winning point after the Lilywhites – who had Kevin Flynn sent off before half-time – had been pegged back by Oisín McGraynor’s equalising goal from a 73rd minute penalty.

The 0-16 to 1-12 victory came after a winless Allianz League campaign which culminated in relegation from Division 2, and sets up a provincial semi-final date with Louth.

“It could have been very easy after the few months we’ve had, and after the way the last couple of minutes went from our own perspective, for fellas to sit back and say, ‘Well, not again, here we go’ and let it happen,” the embattled Kildare manager told reporters.

“It took huge resolve for them to go down and win the kickout, be patient enough to work an opportunity – and then to take it.

“We were never going to win a game by just pure performance today, particularly against Wicklow who’ve a really big win (against Westmeath) under their belts last week.

“We all know we needed a win, and it was always going to be difficult when you’re looking for something as much as we have been, and wanted as much as we have. It was never going to be handed to us, and we were probably going to make it difficult.

“And we made it difficult for ourselves at times. Wicklow made it difficult for us at times. But I’m just so bloody happy for these fellas.”

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