A Jack Sheridan goal in the 69th minute was enough to see Kildare come from two points down inside the last five minutes to record a four point victory over neighbours Carlow and keep their slim hopes of an semi-final place alive.
The final round of the Allianz National Hurling League Division 2A saw the previously unbeaten Carlow attempt to maintain their 100% record but a tenth minute red card for Jon Nolan was to scupper their chances of victory.
Kildare also finished with 14 men but James Burke's second yellow on 67 was to have little effect on the outcome.
Carlow were already assured of promotion and a league final berth prior to throw in but it was they who, despite the numerical disadvantage who held a two point lead at the interval.
Simon Leacy and James Burke opened the scoring for the Lilywhites but Carlow responded with five of their own. Three from Marty Kavanagh, two from frees, a lovely Chris Nolan effort and a monster free from centre back Kevin McDonald had the Barrowsiders three up as we passed the 22nd minute.
All scores came after Jon Nolan had been dismissed for what can only be described as a mistimed head high tackle on Daniel O Meara.
Kildare's shooting was poor and their failure to utilise the spare man meant Carlow were comfortable in defence. David Qualter and Marty Kavanagh swapped frees before Declan Flaherty, David Qualter and Muiris Curtin levelled matters as we passed the 30th minute.
If Kildare could ad three in a row Carlow hit three of their own as they upped the tempo in the closing minutes. Kavanagh again from a free full forward John Doyle and a brilliant Evan Kealy score ensured Carlow went to the dressing rooms 0-9 to 0-7 ahead despite David Qualter's late free for Kildare.
On the restart Kildare introduced Daire Guerin for the injured Rian Boran and he was one of five second half Kildare subs who would have a big influence.
Carlow did push four ahead by the 47th minute and Kildare's hopes of a league semi final were fading. Marty Kavanagh and Chris Nolan keeping the scoreboard ticking over.
The introduction of Conn Kehoe and Jack Sheridan proved to be inspirational. Kehoe immediately making his presence felt at full forward winning anything that came in his direction. It was the platform for Kildare to play their best hurling of the game and when Muiris Curtin, Cian Boran and Jack Sheridan, from a free, all pointed the gap was back at one.
The sides swapped points, in a tight finale, Kavanagh and McDonald, scored from frees for Carlow with Cathal McCabe and another Sheridan free ensured the gap was still one as we entered the closing two minutes of normal time.
Kildare then struck the games first and only goal. James Dolan won a long Simon Leacy delivery before offloading to Jack Sheridan who made no mistake. That goal took Kildare in front for the first time since the ninth minute.
Paddy McKenna and Daire Guerin sealed a great Kildare win with late points and while the 1-16 to 0-15 victory may not be enough to seal a semi final spot Brian Dowling and his management team will be happy with Kildare's strong finish to the league campaign. All eyes will be on the clash between Down and Meath on Sunday.
Carlow are in the final but they might appeal the Jon Nolan red card such is his importance to the team. On a bright calm evening both sides served up a decent encounter.
Kildare: Paddy McKenna 0-1, Cian Shanahan, Sean Christanseen, Daniel O Meara, Simon Leacy 0-1, Conan Boran, Rian Boran, Cathal McCabe 0-1, Paul Dolan,Jack Higgins 0-1, James Burke 0-1, Cian Boran 0-1, Muiris Curtin 0-2, Declan Flaherty 0-2, David Qualter 0-3 (3 frees).
Subs: Daire Guerin 0-1 for Rian Boran H/T, Conn Kehoe for David Qualter 45, Jack Sheridan 1-2 (2), for Paul Dolan 45, James Dolan for Jack Higgins 67, Cormac Byrne for Sean Christanseen 67.
Carlow: Ciaran Bolger,Sean Joyce, Paul Doyle,Niall Bolger,Jack Kavanagh,, ,Kevin McDonald 0-2 (2 frees), Jack McCullagh,Fiach O Toole,Richard Coady,Jon Nolan,Fiachra Fitzpatrick, Evan Kealy 0-1,Chris Nolan 0-2,John Doyle 0-1,Martin Kavanagh 0-9 (8 frees).
Subs: Paddy Boland for Richard Coady 63, Donagh Murphy for Evan Keely 68.
