PREVIEW: Kildare champions Naas face tough challenge against Mount Leinster in provincial opener

Naas made it seven Kildare senior hurling titles in a row a couple of weeks ago getting the better of Maynooth, who while never really looking like they could put their opponents under any real danger, nevertheless, hung in well and while there was eight points separating the sides in the end, it was a tad flattering for Tom Mulally's side.

It was something that Mulally was quick to point out after the game suggesting “it was a very stop-start game but sometimes matches where you have all the plans for a free-flowing game and it just doesn't work out that way.”

No doubt the goal just before the break, from Killian Harrington (Ferran O'Sullivan got their first after just four minutes) was crucial.

In an honest assessment of the second half, Mulally said “we were in control but we just didn't push on, I'm not sure why that was, I don't think we created enough opportunities in our forward line, we looked ok at the back and we stayed in control.”

Asked had they one eye on Leinster the manager replied “we had no eye on anything only this final,”we will now look at Leinster, adding “different competition is Leinster, different level,” quickly adding “what we were at here today wouldn't be good enough for Leinster at all.”

Naas opponents on Sunday are Mount Leinster Rangers, a side that Naas manager Mulally and his coach Christy Kealy, will have fond memories.

Back in 2011 the Carlow champions were crowned Leinster Intermediate Club champions (defeating Celbridge in the final) and then advanced to the All-Ireland final in early 2012 defeating Middletown Na Fianna.

Playing the senior Club in 2012, ending of course in 2013, they made it to the Leinster semi-final, upsetting Ballyboden St Enda and then putting the icing on the cake when crowned Leinster Champions getting past Oulart the Ballagh in the final; great days indeed for the Carlow boys.

They defeated Shamrocks in the semi-final before Portumna was a step too far when the Joe Canning managed side proved too strong.

Of course both Mulally and Kealy then took over Naas, not forgetting they were also in charge of Carlow at the time, and the success the pair have enjoyed with the team from the county town in Kildare has been immense.

However, one aspect of this weekend's clash is the fact that it was all the way back to 24 August when Mount Leinster Rangers clinched the Carlow title, defeating St Mullins 1-19 to 0-16, that is all of eleven weeks ago, Carlow finishing their hurling championship before commencing their football equivalent and while it might suit the players of the big ball game it certainly must be a huge disadvantage to those who employ the hurley and sliothar.

Having said that Mount Leinster Rangers have been in this position before so, presumably, know how to handle it.
Naas, one has to say, have not really been firing on all systems, just like their footballers, James Burke is a huge loss, the big man picking up a cruciate in the dying play of the Joe McDonagh decider.

Naas have had other injuries this season, but they have also brought forward a few young players that could prove vital.
Cathal Dowling returned from injury for the final and his presence was a big help, particularly in the opening half when Naas seemed to look for the big man at every opportunity and while he may not have been as prominent in the second half, he was very prominent early on.

Outstanding
Cian Boran had an outstanding game in that final against Maynooth, as he has had throughout the season, at both club and county level; Kevin Whelan was somewhat unlucky not to start in at that final but made an appearance as did Richard Hogan, if both were fully fit they would be a big addition to Naas.

Charlie Sheridan made a late appearance, got on the score sheet while Jack Sheridan was once again the top scorer with an impressive eight points; he left the scene just before the end after picking up a second yellow, that is something the ace marksman will have to avoid on Sunday.

Cormac Gallagher has had a great season between the sticks; Simon Leacy is slowly regaining his best form after missing a fair bit of club action earlier in the campaign; Brian Byrne continues to perform at the highest level, while Ferran O'Sullivan is a player that covers every inch of the pitch in his quest to help the cause.

Add in Rian Boran, young Evan O'Brien, Kevin Kelleher and it is easy to see if Naas hit top form they look to have enough to get over this one.

Mount Leinster Rangers will be hoping to get the best out of Chris Nolan who scored 1-10 in the final against St Mullins, Donagh Murphy raised four white flags that day while Jon Nolan and Ted Joyce hit five between them, so all in all a side more than capable of testing the best of defences.

This is a game eagerly looked forward to and while the winners will advance to the semi-final against either the Wexford champions St Martin's or Dublin champions Na Fianna, but for now it is all eyes on Netwatch Dr Cullen Park, on Sunday 9 November, a game timed to throw-in at 1.30, with Eamonn Furlong refereeing.

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