Kildare GAA: Naas advance in style to U23 decider
Winners set up a date against Maynooth in Saturday's final
Naas defeated Clane in tonight's (Monday December 5) Whitewater U23 football semi-final at Hawkfield and in so doing set up a clash with Maynooth in the decider which is due to take place this Saturday at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, with a 2pm throw-in.
After all the recent controversy in recent weeks the senior county champions remain on course to add the U23 title to their list of silverware for 2022 after a fine display against Clane in a cracking semi-final.
While Adam Fanning got the opening point of the night for Clane, Naas responded quickly and decisively with a Nial Aherne goal and three quick points from Alex Beirne, Luke Griffin and Beirne again.
In front of a fine crowd Naas were on top in the opening half and led at the break 1-6 to 0-5.
A Dermot Hanafin goal and a point early on the resumption stretched the Naas advantage but Clane hit back and points from Cian Shanahan and Adam Fanning followed from a Sean Callan goal saw Clane trail by just three on 41 minutes.
Luke Griffin responded for Naas before a second goal from substitute Killian O'Connell left just a point separating the sides but Naas were not to be outdone and a goal from Tom Browne and anotheer from Luke Griffin saw Naas over the line on a final score of Naas 4-11 to 2-9.
Scorers: Naas, Luke Griffin 1-4 (2 frees), Dermot Hanafin 1-3 (1 free), Neil Aherne 1-1 (1 mark), Tom Browne 1-0, Alex Beirne 0-3.
Clane, Sean Callan 1-0, Adam Fanning 0-3, Killian O'Connell 1-0, Sam McCormack 0-2 (1 free), Oisin Tighe 0-1, Danial Reilly 0-1, Cian Shanaghan 0-1, Jake Burke 0-1.