Kildare moved into the semi-finals of the Leinster senior football championship after battling to a 2-17 to 0-21 victory against Westmeath in Newbridge this evening.

After having trailed by the minimum at half-time, David Hyland’s goal in the 51st minute proved a crucial score for the Lilywhites as it surged them back in front and they were able to hold on to their lead until the final whistle.

Having built up a 0-10 to 0-7 lead after the opening 27 minutes, the visitors recovered well from the concession of an Alex Beirne goal five minutes afterwards by sending over points via Luke Loughlin and Robbie Forde to move towards a 0-12 to 1-8 half-time lead.

🔵GOAL⚪️

There was absolutely no stopping that from Alex Beirne🚀#KILvWES pic.twitter.com/MyWW5k1Cxl

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 12, 2025

Loughlin sailed over a two-pointer for Dermot McCabe’s men early in the second-half and, with Kildare responding at the other end through Ben McCormack, Forde and Loughlin each hit points again to leave the margin at three with 45 minutes on the clock.

Beirne sent over the next score for Kildare from a free ahead of Hyland fisting in for their second goal of the evening, which would be backed up by the points of Beirne and Tommy Gill.

A pair of Brian Cooney points helped Westmeath to keep right within touching distance down the home stretch, but scores from Beirne (free), Callum Bolton and Niall Kelly were enough to seal the win for Brian Flanagan’s side.

Kildare now march on to a provincial semi-final date in two weeks’ time against either Louth or Laois who play tomorrow afternoon at Cedral St Conleths Park (3pm).

⏯️WATCH: FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS🍿

Kildare stand firm and take home the spoils in the @gaaleinster Football Senior Championship🏐@KildareGAA 2-17@westmeath_gaa 0-21

See the action here 👇#KILvWES pic.twitter.com/HhwUDjoB63

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 12, 2025

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