Preview: Another big step for Naas as they tackle Dublin champs Na Fianna
Tom Mullally brings his all-conquering Naas side back to O'Moore Park, Portlaoise on Saturday (3 pm throw-in) for a tilt with Dublin senior hurling champions, Na Fianna — and what a big prize awaits the winners of this one, no less than a place in the Leinster Senior Club Hurling final against the winners of the other semi-final, Kilcormac Killoughey (Offaly) and O'Loughlin Gaels (Kilkenny).
That is how far this Naas side have traveled over the last number of years, mixing it now with some of the best clubs in the province.
While Naas have made it five senior titles in a row earlier this season, Saturday's opponents, Na Fianna, after making it to three Dublin SHC finals in a row in 2023, finally got over the line with a very comfortable and impressive win over Ballyboden St Enda's 2-19 to 0-9; that after losing the previous two finals, both to Kilmacud Crokes.
It was Na Fianna's first ever Dublin senior hurling championship title, so no doubt, they will be extremely anxious to make their mark on the provincial scene.
The Mobhi Road side dominated this season's final from start to finish in a display in their sixteen point winning margin that was impressive, decisive and fully deserving.
After taking an early lead with some impressive point taking it was Sean Currie who raised the first green flag for Na Fianna, getting on the end of a centre to rifle the sliother to the back of the net and from the puck-out Na Fianna again gained possession, again fired the ball in quickly to the danger area and again that man Currie was on hand to find the net.
By half-time the game was all but done and dusted with the side seeking their first ever senior title leading 2-10 to 0-6.
The second half continued as the first with Na Fianna dominating all over the pitch eventually winning on that final score line of 2-19 to 0-9 with the Currie boys, man of the match Sean hitting 2-5 while brother Colin hit no less than 0-10 including seven frees and a 65 — 2-15 of Na Fianna's 2-19 total.
Na Fianna full back, Conor McHugh will be know for his exploits with the big ball when starring for Dublin at U21 level.
Na Fianna, a vibrant club in the Capital have no less than 3,500 members and field around 200 teams across all codes.
Naas have 11 senior hurling titles to their name, their first back in 1951 — incidentally the same year that Na Fianna were formed — and have, as already stated, won the last five Kildare titles.
Having got the better of Coill Dubh in this season's decider, Tom Mullally's side quickly turned their focus to Leinster. This is just the Naas side second time to play in the Leinster Club senior, having been beaten last season in the quarter-final by Leinster and All-Ireland winners Ballyhale Shamrocks, after giving the Kilkenny boys a scare early on.
Two weeks ago Naas had a hard-earned but fully deserved win over Camross of Laois and while they did get a bit of a scare in the dying minutes of that game, they showed they are getting back to the peak of their form which bodes well for Sunday's clash with Na Fianna.
Na Fianna look a very potent team having hit 1-24 (to 0-19) against Raharney in their quarter-final but, added Mullally, after his side's win over Camross “we are there, we have two weeks to get ready for it, we will have to put our best foot forward, where the final whistle will go we don't know but we have to the final whistle, we will do everything inour power to get ourselves right on the day. We are fully aware of what is coming.”
Tom admitted that at senior level Naas do not have too much experience, lots at intermediate level but senior is a different kettle of fish.
“Remember we have just two wins at senior level (and just two defeats) we lost to Ballyhale last year; plenty of experience at intermediate level but look, we will see what happens.”
Naas will had some fine displays against Camross, especially from Cormac Gallagher in goal, Ross Kelly, Sean Gainey, Simon Leacy while the full forward line of Brian Byrne (captain), Jack Sheridan and Cian Boran were exceptional, between the three they scored an impressive 2-15 with Sheridan knocking up 1-10.
Moving to Portlaoise, instead of Hawkfield due to ticket demands, may or may not make a difference, but the surface in Portlaoise is far from ideal.
A lot at stake on Saturday but Naas will travel with confidence and what an achievement if they could join their fellow footballers and book a final spot.
Fingers crossed!