Forward Josh Allen booted four goals in the 7.7 (49) to 3.1 (19) triumph, which was set up by the dominance of Kildare's midfield brigade.

Although they were wasteful in front of goal early, Kildare dominated the first quarter, where they piled on 2.4 (16) and kept Mater Dei scoreless.

The second quarter was far more even with two goals apiece, but a two-goals-to-none third term ensured Kildare secured their first Currie Cup crown since 2015.

"I thought our midfield was very dominant, our midfield won the game for us and Josh Allen in particular down forward was really good with four goals," Kildare coach Ryan Price said.

"Our pressure and tackling around the ground was really good.

"We put a lot of pressure on in the forward line and just couldn't convert early. But we put on enough scoreboard pressure to allow us to try a few things, like flooding an extra player back to protect that lead.

"The boys were pretty good."

Lachie Field and Bill Walker were heavily influential on the ball, with Kildare's title ending The Riverina Anglican College's three years streak after last year's competition was cancelled.

Price said it was difficult to know what to expect from Mater Dei after their pool round clash was abandoned due to lightning.

"I knew most of what i knew about them from the boys, to be honest, but they always roll out a very good side and they're a great school," Price said.

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"You always like to beat them but we certainly respect each other and there's a strong rivalry there."

"We're just happy to get the win. It's great we can play here under lights, the boys love playing in front of their mates and it's great for the crowd to be back out there this year."

The competition reverted to a year seven-eight format in 2019, but changed back to the traditional 15-years format this year.

Price said he was a fan of the move.

"The boys are a bit bigger and more skilful at that age, it promotes better footy, even though we've got some 14 year olds playing as well," he said.

KILDARE CATHOLIC COLLEGE 2.4 4.4 6.7 7.7 (49) def MATER DEI CATHOLIC COLLEGE 0.0 2.0 2.1 3.1 (19)

Goals: Kildare - Josh Allen 4, Matt Ryan, Lachlan Field, Coby Bourke; Mater Dei - Harrison Wheeler, Ethan Drumm, Hamish Curry

Best: Kildare - Lachie Field, Josh Allen, Bill Walker, Coby Bourke, Matt Ryan; Mater Dei - Harrison Wheeler, Charles Masterson, Beau Edmunds, Reuben McGill, Hamish Curry

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