PREVIEW: Can Athy call a halt to Naas' five-in-a-row Kildare SFC ambitions?

It was back in 2020 when Athy won their last Joe Mallon Motors Kildare Senior Football Championship, that day they defeated Moorefield by two.

And there is a fair sprinkling of those players still donning the red of Athy as they look forward to taking on Naas on Sunday at Cedral St Conleth's Park.

The team that lined out in the semi in that dramatic win over Sarsfields and also back in 2020 included Mark Hyland, Darren Lawler, Brian Maher, David Hyland, Kevin Feely, Barry Kelly and Niall Kelly, so no shortage of experience in that regard.
Then you add in the younger brigade, in particular Colm Moran who has been making big waves this year, Conor Doyle, the Spillane boys, Padraig and Michael, and they would seem to have the ideal blend of youth and experience.

Naas, of course, well what can you say, they are on a tremendous run in recent years, have won the last four senior titles defeating Celbridge (twice) along with Clane in 2022 and Sarsfields 2021 and when you add in their hurlers brilliant run of success there is no doubt that Naas is the club with success all around them these days.

And as they say success breeds success, Naas minors are in the minor final which precedes the senior game, great to see that old tradition of playing the minor final before the senior game something that has been part and parcel of county final days up to relatively recently.

Naas, of course, have a new manager this season and while there was a lot of controversy some months ago about a potential appointment, in the end the man that got the gig was none other than Philly McMahon, that stout-hearted, teak-
tough defender who has won practically everything that there is to be won in the modern game.

The experience he brings to the team is immense and while he inherited a star-studded bunch of players, he, along with his coach Mayo born James Bourke, have settled in very well, have not made any major changes to the set-up while at the same time bringing a new fresh approach to add to the experienced backroom team already in place.

Ross Bell and Conor Ronan are two dyed-in-the-wool Athy men, Ross played in the 2011 win over Carbury as did Kevin Feely and David Hyland, that win bridged a gap all the way back to 1987 when they defeated Johnstownbridge.

Naas of course come into this final on Sunday as roaring hot favourites with the layers offering them at an unbackable 1/4 while quoting the boys from Athy at a very attractive price to win at 3/1, wouldn't be surprised if there was a whip-around down in the south of county to take advantage of those odds.

Still, Naas with a tight defence that seems to be getting meaner as this championship moves on, Luke Mullins is as good as what's around, Mark Maguire had a mighty game in the semi-final, Eoin Doyle was immense until forced off while Fintan Quinn and Paul McDermott excelled.

Up front Alex Beirne is a real handful, Ryan Sinkey will always raise a few white flags, Darragh Kirwan has the ability to open up any defence, add in the youthful Kevin Cummins, the hard-working Elliott Beirne and the task facing Athy is immense and that's for sure.

Athy, will be hungry, they have a work ethic second to none, their win over Sarsfields will fill them with confidence and belief.
The Spillane boys are playing really well in the full back line, not afraid to make their way up the field either and Padraig's block in time added on to deny Sarsfields winning goal was immense.

Cathal McCarron has played at the highest level, Brian Maher got a vital point in the semi final.

James McGrath missed the Semi but his replacement Mark Hyland can be happy with his contribution.

Kevin Feely and David Hyland, on their day, will test any pairing while up front Colm Moran, Conor Doyle, the hard-working Barry Kelly and the experienced Niall will take advantage of any slackness.

Has the potential to be a cracker, forget about the match odds, Athy won't be far away but still I expect Naas to get over the line and make it that magical five-in-a-row for Senior titles.

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