Kildare GAA: Naas facing stiffist test to date

Naas hurlers get their first game at the re-vamped Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, on Sunday when thake on Wexford champions, St Martin's in the Leinster Club SHC quarterr-final, a game that throws in at 2 pm

Naas have been dealt a major blow however with Conan Boran being ruled out with a serious knee injury, an injury by all accounts that could keep the talented player on the sidelines for some time.
Against Maynooth in the county final he was forced off late on, but the news seems to be not good for him since and this is certainly a major blow for Tom Mulally's side as they bid to make it to the Leinster club semi-final for the second for the second year in a row.
Having won their sixth title in a row a few weeks ago when they got the better of Maynooth on a score lien of 3-20 to 0-12, it will be very interesting to see how they cope with the Wexford champions.
Last season Naas lost out to Na Fianna of Dublin last year and the previous year it was Ballyhale Shamrocks who stopped the Kildare champions.
But now it is St Martin's of Wexford who defeated St Anne's on a score-line of 1-21 to 0-19.
It’s the fifth time in their club’s history that St Martin's have won the Wexford Senior hurling championship.
The Martins last won the Wexford SHC back in 2019, defeating St Anne's in that game too.
Scorers for St Martin's in that memorable final, the same day Naas defeated Maynooth were Rory O’Connor (0-10 (3 frees), Kyle Firman (0-1) Jack O'Connor (0-1 free) Darren Codd (0-3) Jake Firman (0-1) Conor Firman (0-1) Barry O'Connor (1-0) Joe Barrett (0-1) Philip Dempsey (0-1) Ben Maddock (0-1), so a big spread of scorers on the day.
The major worry from a Naas point of view is their lack of real opposition within Kildare over the last 12 months.
They have hit some phenomenal scores, conceded very little but the worry is will they be able to withstand a sustained and determined Wexford side who will arrive in Newbridge with only one thing on their mind.
Still with players of the calibre of Cormac Gallagher who has not conceded a goal in the entire championship to date; the experienced Richard Hogan at no. 3; Kevin Whelan at wing-back; Simon Leacy is enjoying a great year (again) while Rian and Cian Boran are exquisite hurlers.
Cathal Dowling, now that he is finally getting an injury-free run of games scores a brilliant goal against Maynooth; Brian Byrne plays a captain's role and will as ever work his socks off to get his team over the line while his cousin, Jack Sheridan is as good a player as there is around at this level.
Sheridan, on his day, can win a game for Naas but no doubt he will come in for plenty of attention as his reputation is a free-scoring forward is know at this stage far and wide.
Ferran O'Sullivan had a great game for Naas in the county final, especially in the opening half, his work rate is second to none and he is more than capable.
Another huge game for Naas, their supporters and of course the club.
It has been a magnificent season for Naas in all competitions and in all grades and if they can play to the top of their game they can ensure their season won't end at Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge this weekend.
Throw-in 2 pm.