Kildare recorded back to back League titles ending a wait since 2004 to win at this grade as they overcame Tyrone in Croke Park. 

The Lilywhites unbeaten record continued as goals from Claire Sullivan and Nessa Dooley proved pivotal in the opening half. Kildare will have confidence going into the Senior grade this year after a solid foundation built in these last few years.

Tyrone in their first league appearance since 2000 fell just short. Maria Canavan was a huge player for them in the tie but not enough to help the Red Hands claim a first league title since 1999.

It was a closely contested opening to the tie as Zoe Loughran put Tyrone into an early lead before Roisin Byrne equalised for the Lilywhites. Tyrone nudged themselves ahead by the third minute as Emma Conory found the mark.

Kildare would net the first of two opening half goals after six minutes. Byrne slipped a lovely ball inside toward goal where Claire Sullivan who ghosted past her marker gathered and struck low to the net for a 1-1 to 0-2 lead. Byrne made it a three point margin soon after with her second point of the day.

Tyrone hit back and got the next vital four scores. Three Canavan frees levelled the tie by the 18th minute before Sasha Byrne struck a point from close range for a 0-6 to 1-2 lead in the 24th minute.

Roisin Byrne converted a third score to level just a minute later and shy of the hooter, Neasa Dooley punished Tyrone going short from a kickout, they lost possession and Dooley raced toward goal before striking to the net. Byrne later grabbed a fourth point of the half as Diane O’Hora’s charges were 2-4 to 0-6 ahead at the interval.

Tyrone started the second half the better, Canavan with another point before Aoibhinn McHugh rattled the crossbar in the 39th minute, goal chance on but the ball failed to land past Mary Hulgraine.

Trina Duggan and Lara Curran replied for Kildare as they started to get a hold in the second half. Canavan kept Tyrone ticking as two converted two more frees, cutting the gap to two points 2-6 to 0-10.

Canavan added two further points but Kildare had enough in reserve, a goal was needed to change the outcome and Tyrone could not breach that Kildare rearguard.