Kildare 2-15

Longford 1-9

Jimmy Hyland delivered a Man of the Match performance scoring eight points, as Kildare bagged their second Electric Ireland Leinster MFC title in three years at Croke Park this afternoon writes Cóilín Duffy.

The Lilywhites always had that extra edge over their opponents, and finished with nine points to spare at the full-time whistle.

With Longford contesting their first final since 2010, hopes were high in the O'Farrell County that they might deliver their third provincial success this Century.

Kildare ran rampant early on and never trailed in this contest, powering to a 1-4 to 0-0 lead after just 13 minutes, with Conor Hartley netting a 12th minute goal.

Longford were dealt a major blow soon after, with the with the loss of defender Cillian Lee through injury.

Tony Devlin's charges eventually opened their account thanks to a Darragh Doherty point in the 19th minute, kick-starting a good patch for his side.

Rory Hawkins and Conor Berry followed up with scores to ensure that Hartley's goal was the difference, after 25 minutes, but Kildare continued to hold the edge.

The Lilywhites led by 1-6 to 0-4 at half-time, and extended their lead to 11 points inside six minutes of the restart, with Clane's Ciaran Kelly netting their goal.

2-9 to 0-4 ahead Kildare failed to lie down, although they were outscored by 1-5 to 0-6 over the remainder of the hour.

Jayson Matthews worked hard to bring Longford into contention, but Kildare had firmly laid the foundations for victory.

Kildare were comfortable at this stage, and although Longford captain Conor Berry netted a late goal for their opponents, the Brendan Hackett managed side were on the way to a seventh provincial success.

After the game Kildare captain Shea Ryan received the Fr. Larry Murphy Trophy, while Jimmy Hyland was presented with the Electric Ireland Man of the Match award.

For both teams the journey isn't finished, with Kildare now taking on the beaten Ulster finalists, while Longford will face the winners.

Cavan and Derry contest the Ulster final next weekend.

KILDARE: Declan Campbell; Ronan Slattery, Mike Joyce, Darren Lawlor; Sam Doran, Shea Ryan, Sean Healy; Daniel Courtney, Rory Feely; Conor Hartley (1-1), Ethan O'Donohue (0-1), Brian McLoughlin (0-2); Ciaran Kelly (1-1, 1f), Matthew Kelly (0-1, 1f), Jimmy Hyland (0-8, 1f). Subs: Stefan Lawler for Doran (BC 25); Kevin O'Callaghan for M Kelly (49); Gavin Burke for Slattery (51); Eoin O'Neill for McLoughlin (53); Aaron Murphy (0-1, 1 45) for C Kelly (55).

LONGFORD: Michael Hughes; Ryan Moffat, Ronan Sheahan, Cillian Lee; Cian Brady, Michael Cahill, Kevin Sorohan; Conor Berry (1-2), Enda Farrell; Cathal McCabe, Peter Lynn (0-1), Jayson Matthews (0-2, 1f); Rory Hawkins (0-1), Peter Hanley, Darragh Doherty (0-1). Subs: Liam Barry for Lee (17); Ruairi Harkins for C Brady (34); Joe Heaney for Hawkins (40); Russel Brady for Doherty (43); Cian Finnan (0-1) for McCabe (51); Neil Devlin (0-1) for Sorohan (56).

REFEREE: Fergal Smyth (Offaly)

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