Five second half goals fired Kildare into the knockout stages of the Tailteann Cup in the Dungarvan sunshine on Saturday evening.
Super sub Shane O'Sullivan netted twice while Kevin Flynn, Niall Kelly and Paddy Woodgate also raised green flags in a 5-15 to 0-6 win over fourteen man Waterford. Darragh Kirwan was another to catch the eye with four first half points from play.
Déise midfielder Michael Curry made his 100th senior appearance. The Rathgormack man got his championship debut back in 2014. Unfortunately, the centurion received his marching orders with twenty minutes left for a second bookable offence. Two goal hero against Tipperary Tom O'Connell was unavailable due to travel commitments.
In front of a strong away support, four Darragh Kirwan points helped Kildare into an 8-3 half time advantage. Kevin Feely, Luke Killian and Niall Kelly also contributed for Glenn Ryan's men while Paddy Woodgate blasted across the face of goal and wide. Mark Cummins kicked Waterford's first point on five minutes while Jason Curry got one from play and one from a free.
The leaders were guilty of seven first half wides. Wing forward Barry Kelly was black carded in injury time for a trip on Liam Fennell.
That dismissal didn't make any difference as Kildare scored 1-4 without reply in the third quarter. A controversial Luke Killian point angered Déise boss Paul Shankey as the ball appeared to fly right and wide. On 45 minutes, Kildare won a turnover off a Waterford kickout and Paddy Woodgate finished to the bottom corner. The hosts then lost Michael Curry to a black card.
Kildare capitalised with two goals in a minute from Niall Kelly and Shane O'Sullivan. Super sub O'Sullivan slotted his second major after another turnover. Number seven Kevin Flynn got in on the act eight minutes from time.
