Naas manager Joe Murphy reacts to his side reaching the Leinster senior final

A tough battle between two good teams was how Naas manager, Joe Murphy described his side's win in extra-time over against Westmeath champions St Loman's Mullingar in Cusack Park on Sunday afternoon.

The manager pointed out that while Ronan O'Toole caused them trouble early on, they got to grips with him in the second half.

“We had young Mark Maguire on him and they had a great battle, Mark is just a kid and he did very well I felt, followed him everywhere and he stuck to his task well chasing Ronan (O'Toole) well.

“They (Loman's) got just three points (from the start of the second half) and that shows our tough teak our defence was today, and it needed to be, they have some exceptional forwards and put us to the peak of our collar but we came to terms with their movement and I think we very well.”

The manager mentioned Naas coach, Kevin Downes “he put in exceptional work with everyone taking responsibility for their role in the teams; it was one of those games when everyone needed to make themselves throughout the entire game.”

The manager added that “we picked up quiet a lot of injuries out there today but we look at that next week as we prepare for two weeks time and the Leinster final.”

Asked about the workload on the hurling boys Joe Murphy said “they are two very important boys for the hurlers as well and I would like to wish them all the best for their game next weekend; so it is coming fast and thick now, we just have to recharge and get ready to meet with, I'm told, Kilmacud Crokes, we certainly know one another at this stage but it is a great game to look forward to.”

Asked about a possible clash of fixtures if the Naas hurlers are successful next week, Murphy said they will be making representations in that regard should it occur, we will just have to wait and see.