Athy not without a chance but Naas looking very strong

Over the past few years it was expected that Naas footballers would surely make the big breakthrough as regards senior titles.

Few though could have anticipated that come 2024 the team from the county town would be attempting to make it four titles in a row.

But that is were we, and they, find themselves, as they prepart to take on Athy this weekend with a place in decider up for grabs.

Their opponents, on this occasion is Athy, a side that was always expected to make to the last four, and this they have done and as the last team to win a senior title prior to Naas when they defeated Moorefield back in 2020.

Naas, as they have been before a ball was kicked, are overwhelming favourites, not just to advance to the decider but to actually win it but have no doubt Athy will not be travelling to Manguard Park just to make up the numbers, they are too good a side for that. Yes, of course, they have it all to do, but that does not necessarily mean they cannot upset the champions there are too many quality players in this Athy team for that.

Naas though are certainly looking strong and just as they have done over the past number of years seem to be able to improve as the championship evolves.

Up to now they have won without being overly impressive, that I hasten to add, was before they defeated Johnstownbridge in the quarter-final where they really stepped up a couple of gears.

Athy were made to work hard by Raheens in their quarter-final but having said that never really looked like they were in trouble.

They led by three at the break, that first half goal coming early on from county man Kevin Feely, who made a tremendous on the edge of the square before planting it in the back of the net.

Raheens were still in the game in the second half, still trailing by three but Athy finished strongly with two goals that killed off the Caragh boys challenge.

They did lose Barry Kelly to injury in that game in the opening half but they have some quality players to bring in and they certainly put up their hand for the next game.

Ben Purcell had an excellent game hitting an impressive 1-3, Colm Moran at wing back was also prominent, they lost corner back Darren Lawlor to a straight red whether that will be appealed we will have to wait and see but overall the defence was decent; Pascal Connell and Conor Doyle did well in the middle while their full forward line amassed 3-11 between them.

Naas on the hand, despite playing against a near gale, a 15 man defensive set-up yet still led at the break by three against a Johnstownbridge that had many a head being scratched with their team tactics.

The quality of the Naas side can be gauged by the manner Mark Maguire (defender) took his goal like a real forward while two late subs Fintan Quinn and Brian Kane also raised green flags.

Naas have quality not alone on their starting XV but also on their bench.

From Luke Mullins in goals to Neil Aherne, very underestimated and players of the quality throughout the entire team.

If anything Naas are looking stronger this year, with the addition of Eoin Lawlor, Ryan Sinkey another year under his belt at this level while county lads Alex Beirne (major player), Darragh Kirwan, Paddy McDermott to name just a few.

James Burke has not been seen for the last couple of games, the same with Jack McKevitt, both out injured and if either or both make it back that will strengthen up the side even more.

Athy will go into this one with no big weight on their shoulders, they certainly won't be carrying the favourites tag and if they can get the Kelly boys, Feely, Ben Purcell, Cathal McCarron, the Spillane boys and the rest to play to their full potential then who knows.

But in the end of the day hard to see anything but the champions marching on to another decider.