Athy dethrones Naas to capture first Kildare SFC championship since 2020
In a thrilling encounter, Athy triumphed over Naas, reclaiming the Kildare Senior Football Championship title. This marks Athy’s first championship win since 2020, ending Naas’s aspirations for a five-in-a-row victory. The match took place in Newbridge, and Athy’s commanding performance was led by key players including Cathal McCarron, Kevin Feely, and Niall Kelly.
Athy’s Strong Performance
Athy’s victory was characterized by a remarkable comeback. The team, which recently celebrated a seven-in-a-row success in hurling, demonstrated their resilience on the football field. Barry Kelly emerged as a standout scorer, contributing 1-3 to the scoreboard before his exit due to cramp. Central to the team’s victory, Cathal McCarron’s leadership resulted in three crucial points.
Match Highlights
- Final score: Athy 1-15, Naas 0-12
- Athy’s win marks their eighth title overall in the championship.
- Naas was previously unbeaten for 31 games until this championship.
- Naas started strong with an initial lead of 0-7 to 0-3.
Athy surged ahead in the second half, scoring seven consecutive points to go up by six. Despite a late attempt from Naas, which included a potential two-pointer opportunity from Alex Beirne, they could not equalize.
Key Players’ Contributions
Throughout the game, Athy demonstrated a balanced attack, with Niall Kelly finishing with 0-6 points, including five from frees. Other contributors included Sean Moore and Barry Maher, each scoring two points. Naas relied heavily on Alex Beirne, who finished with an impressive tally of 0-10.
Match Statistics
| Team | Scores | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| Athy | 1-15 | B Kelly 1-3, N Kelly 0-6, C McCarron 0-3 |
| Naas | 0-12 | A Beirne 0-10, R Sinkey 0-5 |
This win enables Athy to advance to a provincial opener against Wicklow’s Baltinglass on November 2. In contrast, Naas, who faced significant defensive lapses throughout the match, will reflect on missed opportunities in their quest for victory.
Conclusion
Athy’s championship win not only ended Naas’s dominance in Kildare football but also reaffirmed their status as a formidable force in the county. With their renewed momentum, Athy looks forward to continuing their success in the upcoming provincial matches.
