Overview: Naas Continues Unstoppable Kildare SHC Run
Naas cemented their status as the dominant force in Kildare hurling with a comprehensive victory over Maynooth in the Kildare Senior Hurling Championship final at Cedral St Conleths Park. The final scoreline, Naas 3-15 to Maynooth 0-16, underscored a match that never seriously threatened Naas’s control despite a brave effort from a youthful Maynooth side.
Key Moments That Shaped the Final
The early script favored Naas when Killian Harrington bagged the opening goal after a neat pass from Liam O’Reilly, signaling the hosts’ intention to impose themselves from the outset. Maynooth responded respectfully, and Oran Byrne’s early score gave them a fleeting lead—their only advantage of the afternoon—before Naas reeled them back in.
Jack Sheridan stood out for Naas, finishing with eight points, including several long-range efforts that showcased his accuracy. His influence was felt even as the dying minutes of the game took a sour turn with a second yellow card that ended his involvement mid-injury time. Maynooth’s defender Et al. managed to stifle a potential goal-scoring moment, but Sheridan had already done enough to keep Maynooth within striking distance on the scoreboard.
In the opening half, a flurry of Naas goals punctuated the narrative. Ferran O’Sullivan contributed with a 27th-minute goal as Naas built a commanding lead, and Cian Boran’s second-half strike in the 39th minute effectively sealed the result. Maynooth did their best to stay in contention through 18-year-old free-taker Tom Power, whose precision from placed balls kept Maynooth within a couple of scores at various points, but Naas’ collective pressure proved decisive throughout.
Despite Maynooth’s late efforts, a potential consolation goal for the underdogs was ruled out after a square-ball infringement, ensuring Naas could comfortably secure the victory and the title to extend their era of dominance.
Player Performances and Team Dynamics
Naas demonstrated depth across the field, with a blend of veteran instinct and youthful energy. Jack Sheridan’s points haul complemented the aerial threat posed by him and team-mate Harrington, whose earlier goal forced Maynooth to chase from an early disadvantage. The Naas defense remained steadfast, continually denying clear goal chances for Maynooth and ensuring the forwards had ample opportunities to convert in the forward half.
Maynooth, for their part, deserve credit for their resilience. They showed flashes of quality, especially through Tom Power’s free-taking accuracy and a concerted effort from the defense to nullify Naas’ primary attacking options. Yet Naas’s execution in front of goal and their capacity to convert frequent scoring opportunities proved the difference in the end.
What This Means For Naas
With this win, Naas claim their seventh successive Kildare SHC crown, a statistic that highlights a sustained standard of excellence at club level within the county. Their success mirrors a broader weekend of triumph for the Naas club, as the camogie team clinched their fourth senior title in a row and the footballers approach a fifth successive championship.
Looking ahead, Naas will head into Leinster action against Mount Leinster Rangers, champions from Carlow, in the opening round. The experience of manager Tom Mullally, who previously guided Naas to an All-Ireland senior final with a different club, adds a layer of strategic depth and pedigree to the squad as they seek further provincial glory.
Final Thoughts
The final whistle confirmed Naas’s ongoing supremacy in Kildare hurling. Maynooth’s commendable effort, coupled with Naas’s clinical finishing and collective discipline, ensured the title stayed in the town’s hands for another year. As Naas celebrate, the county and its supporters will be keenly watching how the team translates domestic dominance into Leinster success in the near future.
