It doesn’t happen often enough but Kildare Ladies Footballers will enjoy top billing at the weekend with their LIDL National League opener against Down taking place in St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge (2pm).

The men’s hurlers are due to meet the same opposition in the Kehoe Cup on Sunday as well, but that one has been set for Hawkfield at 1pm. Although there were some doubts about Down travelling for that one after two losses in the competition to date, it appears to be going ahead as of today, Tuesday.

Meanwhile, new Kildare ladies manager Diane O’Hora has confirmed her captain and vice-captain for this season. Eadestown’s experienced campaigner Grace Clifford continues as captain and her deputy will be Laoise Lenehan from the nearby Kill club.

The full panel for this year is available here: Current Panel – Ladies Football