Kildare and Laois to square off in Joe McDonagh Cup final as Kerry are relegated
May 24, 2025
Laois' James Duggan in action during the McDonagh clash with Kerry ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Kildare will play Laois in the Joe McDonagh Cup final on Sunday, June 8th at Croke Park following today’s results in the second-tier competition.
The Lilywhites booked their place in this year’s Liam MacCarthy Cup race thanks to an emphatic 1-26 to 1-14 victory over Down in Newbridge, where David Qualter struck 1-13 for Brian Dowling’s men, including a 29th minute goal.
There was late drama at Netwatch Cullen Park where James Duggan’s goal deep in injury-time salvaged a 1-20 to 2-17 draw for Laois against Carlow, which was enough for the O’Moore men to pip their neighbours to the competition’s final and keep the Barrowsiders in the Joe McDonagh Cup next season.
In Tralee, Westmeath dished out an emphatic 2-28 to 1-14 defeat to Kerry to ensure their own survival in the second tier.
Killian Doyle (0-15) and David O’Reilly (1-6) led the 17-point rout for the Lake men which sees Kerry relegated to the Christy Ring Cup for 2026.
Tweet#GAA news: @KildareGAA and @CLGLaois will contest the Joe McDonagh Cup Final ⬇️
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 24, 2025
