FEELY GOOD FACTOR

Tough road ahead but Lilies ace is optimistic about provincial campaign

- KARL O'KANE

KEVIN Feely says Kildare are determined to qualify for the All-Ireland series - but it wouldn't be the end of the world if they wound up in the Tailteann Cup.

Under new boss Brian Flanagan they secured promotion from Division 3, albeit losing the final to Offaly.

But far bigger challenges lie ahead for the Lilywhites, who have to make a Leinster final to qualify for the All-Ireland series.

First up, they'll first have to beat Westmeath tomorrow evening at Newbridge.

Win that and they'll also have to oust the winners of Louth and Laois in the Leinster semi-final.

At least Dublin are on the other side of the draw, which gives them a fighting chance of making the All-Ireland series.

Kildare were one of the favourites to land the Tailteann Cup last year but went out at the quarter-final stage.

They thus missed out on the automatic ticket on offer to this year's All-Ireland series, with Down claiming that coveted prize.