Two Naas men are set for their first appearances in the league for Kildare tomorrow afternoon when they take on Meath in the opening round of the Allianz National Hurling League.
Last year's minor star James Burke will line out in the half-forward line for his league debut, while defender Paul Sullivan is also in line for his first appearance in the Division 2A encounter at St Conleth's Park. The side will be captained by Naas forward Brian Byrne, who will line out in the full-forward line alongside the returning Martin Fitzgerald after the Ardclough man took the year out in 2017.
Eanna O'Neill is another player to return to the panel following a two-year absence, while there are a number of players among the substitutes who are set to make their league debuts.
There is also a return to the panel for Clane star Bernard Deay, who has spent the last two seasons in Australia, though prior to that he was one of the key players for Kildare as they captured the Christy Ring Cup in 2014.
Kildare XV to play Meath
- Paddy McKenna
- Cian Forde
- John Doran
- Paul Sullivan;
- Eanna O'Neill
- Mark Moloney
- Mark Grace
- Paul Divilly
- Niall O Muineachain
- James Burke
- Richard Ryan
- Jack Sheridan
- Brian Byrne
- Martin Fitzgerald
- Chris Bonus
Subs: Paul Dermody, Dylan Brereton, Kevin Whelan, Tadhg Forde, Bernard Deay, Diarmuid Cahill, Sean Gainey, Cathal Dowling, Eoin O Hehir, Shane Walsh, Cathal Derivan.
If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.