County men Eoin Doyle and Kevin Flynn look ahead to the SFC final
They have soldiered together through thick and thin over the last number of seasons with Kildare but come Sunday, Naas captain Eoin Doyle and Celbridge's Kevin Flynn (standing in for the unavailable captain Mick Konstantin) for preview interview) will go head-to-head at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.
For Naas captain, it is familiar territory, very familiar, as he bids to lead his team to three-in-a-row while for Kevin Flynn this is a first but one that the flying wing-back is really looking forward to with relish, fully aware of the task that lies ahead.
Eoin Doyle, not for the first time, admits that while getting to the final was the number one aim at the start of the season has been achieved “it is now all about winning.”
It is a phrase Eoin has repeated and repeated whether looking forward to a Leinster final with The Lilies or in this case a senior county final — “it is all about winning at this stage.”
Kevin Flynn admits that his club's record in the senior championship over the past ten years has been extremely disappointing; making it to ten semi-finals but the win over Athy is only the second time they have made it to the decider.
So was he worried when, after leading Athy by six points early in the second half, they (Athy) whittled that lead back to draw level, hitting six points on the trot?
The answer was quick and decisive:
“Yes.”
Adding “it's a bit crazy really, the goal (Fergal Conway) was probably the worse thing that could have happened to us; we were doing quiet well up to the goal but after that we went a little bit flat; but that just shows that Athy are a really good team.”
The experienced defender, who hit a cracking trade-mark goal when coming from deep against Sarsfields in the quarter-final, admitted “it is a huge relief to the get into the final; Celbridge have been in semi-final after semi-final and while it was back 2017 since we were in the final, it is just brilliant to get another chance.”
Now under new manager, former Clare county boss, Micheál McDermott, Kevin said “he brings the winning mentality with him; he has been successful wherever he has been; but no doubt the players are there, it is just a case of getting the balance right; a couple of the younger lads have now kicked on and the balance certainly seems to be right at the minute.
“If anything Micheál has sort of stripped it back to the basics; we are playing more as a team than we have been over the last few years when we were relying on individual brilliance or a moment of magic from someone but now we have a good spread of scorers throughout the team; every other game someone is stepping forward and having maybe their best game of the year; someone different stepping up to the plate which I suppose is a sign of a good panel.
“It is just not our starting XV these days; it goes all the way down to everyone on the panel, all more than capable of coming in and making a contribution.”
Meanwhile Naas centre back Eoin Doyle admits that “our championship to date we would have to be happy with some of the displays while also aware we need to improve in certain areas but that's the nature of the game, always searching for more and more improvement and trying to incrementally build.
“It's all about trying to maximise the chances when they come along but goals is not something we are actually focusing on in particular; the main thing is to take a scoring opportunity when it comes up, regardless of whether it is a goal or a point; and that will be the same against Celbridge, they have a very, very good defence, well structured and we will have to ensure that when an opportunity presents itself it has to be taken.”
A big plus for the champions is undoubtedly the return of Darragh Kirwan who had a huge influence when introduced in the semi-final.
“To have Darragh back is brilliant, for himself and for Naas, he is a big part of our team but as he would tell you himself there are other lads who have struggled with injuries throughout the year and are now coming back; Tom Browne, Tim Ryan is another; unfortunately injuries are part and parcel of the game and it is great for Naas, and indeed for Kildare, to have a fully fit Darragh Kirwan back along with all the other lads who have been missing out through injuries.”
Kevin Flynn admits that they have had some good displays in the group; wins over Clane then Sarsfields, in years gone by we might have failed so it is great to get these under our belts, it will give the team the confidence that hopefully we see us over the line on Sunday.”
Can Celbridge win?
“We are confident, have a lot of good players, you have to go into every game thinking you can win it and this is no different but we are fully aware of the threat Naas brings.”