Lidl National Football League Division 1
Waterford 2-10 | Kildare 1-13
Waterford produced a determined late comeback at Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field in Dungarvan, with a dramatic Áine O’Neill goal earning a deserved draw against Kildare in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League.
The Déise started brightly, with early points from Hannah McGrath and Kellyann Hogan giving them momentum, but Kildare responded quickly through Molly Aspell and Alannah Prizeman to settle into the contest.
Hogan edged Waterford back in front after an Aoife Rattigan free, but Kildare took control in the second quarter. A strong run of unanswered scores from Rattigan, Mayah Doyle, Aoife Murnane and Aspell put the visitors firmly on top.
The key moment of the half came in the 29th minute when Ciara Wheeler capitalised on a short kick-out to chip Gemma Corcoran for a well-taken goal. With Laura Mulcahy temporarily sidelined with a yellow card, Waterford were under pressure, and despite two points from Brid McMaugh, Kildare led 1-8 to 0-5 at the break.
Kildare extended their lead early in the second half through Rattigan, but Waterford responded in style. Hogan caught the defence off guard with a cleverly taken close-range free to the net on 35 minutes, sparking a resurgence.
Waterford began to build momentum, with Hogan continuing to lead from the front and substitute Lia Ní hArta making an impact. However, Kildare maintained a narrow advantage heading into the final stages, with Rattigan and Wheeler keeping the scoreboard ticking.
With time running out, Waterford pushed forward. Points from Katie Murray and Hogan reduced the deficit, setting up a tense finish.
Then came the decisive moment — Áine O’Neill broke through the Kildare defence and powered the ball to the net, bringing the sides level at the end of normal time.
While the draw shows the character and resilience within this Waterford side, results elsewhere mean they narrowly miss out on a place in the Division 1 final, with Cork and Galway progressing.
Scorers
Waterford:
K Hogan 1-5 (1-3f), Á O’Neill 1-0, B McMaugh 0-2, K Murray, L Ní hArta, H McGrath.
Kildare:
A Rattigan 0-6 (4f), C Wheeler 1-2, M Aspell 0-2, M Doyle, A Prizeman, A Murnane 0-1 each.
