THE FUTURE IS LILY-BRIGHT NOW

BRIAN DOWLING has guided Kildare back to the Leinster SHC for the first time since 2004.

- BY PAUL KEANE

But the two-time All-Ireland winning Kilkenny camogie manager conceded he questioned his ability to manage Kildare just weeks ago.

The Lilywhites were distraught when they lost to Kerry in Round 1 of this year's competition - stretching their losing streak to nine losses from nine McDonagh Cup games.

Five games and five wins later, they are tournament winners for the first time, just 12 months after winning the Christy Ring Cup, and are through to the 2026 Leinster SHC.

Kildare were fortunate to be level with Laois at half-time, 0-11 to 0-11, considering all the point attempts that favourites Laois butchered.