Ronan Sweeney will be hoping he can help Kildare to a first All-Ireland SFC final appearance in 12 years this Sunday when they meet Down at Croke Park.

The Moorefield attacker will be gearing up for his second semi-final with the Lilywhites, after being apart of the squad which reached the last four in his debut year in 2000, and he knows that it isn't a chance that comes around all too often.

"You wouldn't come back every year if you didn't think you could contest these sort of games," Sweeney told the Irish Daily Star.

"You always feel that you can but probably looking back now, comparing where we are now to where we were then, we probably weren't up to scratch. But we're in a great position now to kick on. Every team that's left in the competition will feel that they have a great chance and we're no different."

Sweeney pointed to self-belief as being the key which has brought Kildare this far and says he has faith in the choices of Kieran McGeeney and his backroom team, whether he starts or not this weekend.

"Obviously you'd like to be starting, but I trust the management team with all my heart and whatever they say is right for the team is right for the team," he said.

"I'm just happy to come on and get the chances." Tweet

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