SFC Final Preview: Heart says Naas but...

A unique senior football championship final in more ways than one on Sunday as Naas, seeking their third title in three years, while Celbridge are looking for their first title since the days of Barney Rock back in 2008, the Hazelhatch club's solitary win at this level.

And the fact that it is being held at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, adds to the intrigue, due of curse to the re-development of St Conleth's Park at the moment.

Hard to believe that Celbridge have only one title to their name, they have been in the last ten semi-finals and their win over Athy is only their second win at that stage in that decade.

All that despite throughout that ten year span had what many would consider one of the best and strongest panels in the county.

And the one semi-final they did when saw them what could only be described as the collapse of the decade when they went under to Moorefield who played the entire second half with just thirteen players.

Now managed by former Limerick senior county manager, and Cavan native, Micheál McDermott, it was ironic that one of the first things the manager said after his side's win over Athy was that “playing in Hawkfield instead of St Conleth's Park, was a real bonus, such is our history in Conleth's.” And how right he is.

Naas on the other hand are on the cusp of a unique achievement in modern day championship history as they are attempting to make it three senior titles in succession. An achievement last achieved back in the early '50s by Sarsfields.

Coming into this year's championship there was only one team on everyone's lips — Naas.

Understandable without a doubt but at the same time that brings with it a lot of pressure, a lot of expectation and a lot of hype.

Celbridge, on the other hand, having got the semi-final anxiety off their collective backs, can now possibly relax a little bit more, especially knowing they are coming into this final as the under dogs.

Naas are as short as 8/15 to retain their title with the Layers while the boys from the north of the county are in or around 11/8, not that makes a whit once the ball is thrown in by Paddy McDermott in the beautiful surrounds of the home of Carlow GAA.

Looking back on the what we have seen to date, one could make an argument, and a strong argument at that, that maybe those odds are somewhat skewed.

No doubt the team that has played the best football to date is Celbridge.

They came out of Group A (winners) with wins over Clane, Clogherinkoe and Carbury with three wins out of the three games with an aggregate scoring of +17, hitting a total of 48 points while conceding 2-25.

In the semi-final they came out on top after one of the best games we have witnessed in the senior championship for many a long day getting the better of Athy, a game that could have gone either way, and was in the melting pot until a late flourish saw them clinch it by five, somewhat harsh on Athy it has to be said, the final score that day being 2-16 to 0-17, the second goal coming very late on.

Naas, in fairness, have had a somewhat similar road to the final.

In their Group D, labeled the Group of Death, that included Athy, Sarsfields and Maynooth.

They defeated Maynooth in their opener; then disposed of Sarsfields before playing out a draw with Athy — a game that can be nearly rubbed off as a non-event, as both teams were more than happy to play out a draw, the final score line 0-6 apiece really says it all.

Naas hit a total of 3-32 while conceding 2-25 giving them an aggregate score in their three games of +10.

In the semi-final, Naas and Clane, last season's finalists, put on a display that while probably not matching what we had witnessed in the first semi-final, nevertheless turned up the heat in the second half with the introduction of Darragh Kirwan who, in a low scoring game — 1-8 to 0-9 — his 1-2 was absolutely critical.

It was the county man's first game since Kildare were defeated by Monaghan back in June so a long time out of action but in fairness certainly did not show too much rustiness.

The champs lined out in the semi-final without James Burke and Paul McDermott and Burke's absence, if it was to be repeated on Sunday, could be very significant.

Naas have also been operating without the services of Tom Browne, a flying attacking half-back, he was, however, togged out for semi final having recovered from a shoulder injury picked up in the League final.

Naas, though, have not in this writer's opinion, being flying on all cylinders; maybe just doing what they had to do but it's never easy to just turn it on when it is needed.

Celbridge, apart from Aaron Browne have been more less injury-free. They are a well managed side, very well set-up with a host of experienced present and past county players from Shane McNamara in goals to Paddy Brophy at no. 15. In between add in Hugh McGrillen, Mick O'Grady, Kevin Flynn, Tony Archbold, Kevin O'Callaghan, Fergal Conway along with accurate Davy Hughes, not forgetting the Browne boys.

Naas have in Luke Mullins a fine keeper; a good full back line in which Brian Byrne is outstanding at the minute; a fine attacking half-back line of Paddy McDermott, Eoin Doyle and Eoghan Prizeman (with Tom Browne waiting in the wings).

Midfield is a little worry, especially if James Burke does not make it while up front Alex Beirne, the experienced Eamonn Callaghan the youthful Jack McKevitt and Kevin Cummins along with the Hanafin boys.

One feels that there is more to come from Naas, Darragh Kirwan is a huge bonus to have back but can they switch it on when the pressure comes on in the final which it will inevitably will in Cullen Park?

Will the venue have any appreciable effect?

One would think not.

However if this final was being played in St Conleth's Park, without a doubt Celbridge's record there would be coming into the equation and coming in big time.

It would be a mighty achievement if Naas could bring up the elusive treble, especially in these times but Celbridge, I feel, are buzzing, they have got the semi-final monkey off their back and one can sense the belief that they have in this present team and this present management.

As for the outcome?

Very difficult to call.

The heart says Naas but rightly or wrongly, the head says Celbridge.