All Ireland Senior B Hurling Final Kildare 3-14 Mayo 3-7 Kildare proved too good for Mayo at Croke Park on Saturday, laying the foundation for victory with an opening blitz of seven points in seven minutes.
Mayo didn't score until the 15th minute, when Keith Higgins posted a 65, but Kildare were almost out of sight by then.
A chink of light appeared for Mayo when Keith Higgins set up his brother Pierce for a cracking goal in the 23rd minute to leave just two points in it, but within two minutes Kildare scored two more goals from Tony Murphy.
Mayo's Stephen Broderick scored from the penalty spot before half-time to leave them trailing 2-9 to 2-3. But Kildare again stretched the lead to seven points before substitute Brendan Byrne grabbed their third goal.
Mayo's Adrian Freeman goaled again on 70 minutes but Mayo were always chasing the game after that opening blitz by Kildare, who were worthy winners.
SCORERS: Kildare - C Divilly (0-1), J Brennan (0-1), C Buggy (0-2), E Denieffe (0-1), B White (0-3), T Murphy (2-0), A McAndrew (0-5), B Byrne (1-1). Mayo - K Higgins (0-5), S Broderick (1-0 pen), P Higgins (1-0), A Freeman (1-2).
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