Naas romp to the most facile of victories
Charlie Sheridan was one of two players, along with James Burke, to bag a hat-trick of goals as Naas scored 12-29 against Clane Photo: Michael Anderson
Naas continued their relentless march towards an eighth successive UPMC Kildare Senior Hurling Championship title when they comfortably disposed of Clane in Manguard Park, Hawkfield, on Saturday afternoon.
Anyone watching would have been left in little doubt about Naas' credentials. The manner of their victory over last year's Senior ‘B’ champions was hugely impressive, while the intensity with which they played suggested they are not content with merely adding another county title to their collection. Six goals in each half underlined the gulf in class between the sides.
The opening exchanges were reasonably even as Hugh Muldoon pointed twice, one free and one from play, to hand Clane the perfect start. The impressive duo of James Burke and Charlie Sheridan responded immediately to level matters and, when Peter O'Donoghue edged Naas ahead three minutes in, it signalled the beginning of a relentless scoring spree.
O'Donoghue added another before a long delivery from Brian Byrne allowed Burke to field brilliantly and fire past Mark Doyle. Jack Sheridan and Charlie Sheridan followed with goals as Naas surged into a 3-6 to 0-5 lead after just ten minutes. Sean Malone, Sean Christensen from a sideline cut and Hugh Muldoon replied for Clane, but the warning signs were there.
Naas continued to dominate and Oisín O'Neill added his first score before goal number four arrived. A long clearance from Rian Boran broke kindly for James Burke, who tucked away his second goal. Burke then added a point after good work from Charlie Sheridan.
Paddy McKenna and Caolan Smith registered points for Clane, but with 13 minutes remaining in the half, Naas hit the next ten scores without reply.
Charlie Sheridan and James Burke were causing havoc in the Clane defence and both added points before Sheridan finished expertly after another incisive pass from Rian Boran for his second goal. Jack Sheridan and Darragh Kirwan both struck doubles as Naas encountered little resistance.
Following 25 minutes of tireless work, Brian Byrne finally got the reward his performance deserved when Burke set him up for Naas' sixth goal. By half-time, the champions led 6-16 to 0-7.
With the result already beyond doubt, Naas introduced five substitutes during the second half, but the scoring continued unabated. Peter O'Donoghue opened the scoring within a minute of the restart and, when Simon Leacy burst through the centre, he set up Brian Byrne for goal number seven. Moments later, Charlie Sheridan struck again for Naas' eighth major.
Any thoughts that Naas might ease off with a semi-final looming quickly disappeared. Driven on by several of their experienced campaigners, they continued to pour forward. Points from Oisín O'Neill, Conan Boran, Darragh Kirwan and Brian Byrne arrived before another goal inevitably followed.
Substitute Killian Harrington, making his return from a shoulder injury, was in the right place to finish after James Burke had created the opportunity. Burke completed his hat-trick soon after when Daire Guerin's direct ball was brilliantly claimed by the towering forward before he blasted to the net.
As the contest drifted towards its conclusion, both sides welcomed the sight of the finish line, but Naas still found time for two more goals. Brian Byrne grabbed his second major before Harrington also netted for a second time.
Aidan Mooney and Ben Muldoon, from a free, added late consolation points for Clane. One of the few bright moments for the visitors came in the form of goalkeeper Mark Doyle, who produced three excellent second-half saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.
On the final whistle from referee Fergus Devereux, Naas had secured a comprehensive 12-29 to 0-9 victory and advanced directly to a semi-final meeting with Éire Óg Corra Choill. Clane now face Coill Dubh in a relegation semi-final, a fixture that offers them a realistic opportunity of retaining their senior status.
Cormac Gallagher; Liam O'Reilly, Rian Boran, Evan O'Briain; Daire Guerin, Conan Boran (0-1), Harry Carroll; Peter O'Donoghue (0-3), Simon Leacy; Oisín O'Neill (1-3), Darragh Kirwan (0-4), Brian Byrne (2-3); Charlie Sheridan (3-6, 1 '65), James Burke (3-6), Jack Sheridan (1-2).
Killian Harrington (2-1) for Jack Sheridan (35); Ross Kelly for Rian Boran (40); Kevin Whelan for Conan Boran (40); Bill Hennessy for Simon Leacy (42); Tom O'Donovan for Darragh Kirwan (48).
Mark Doyle; Aidan Mooney (0-1), Michael Cahalane, Tom Malone; Paddy Connolly, Cian Shanahan, Sean Malone (0-1); Ben Muldoon (0-1, free), Daniel Malone, Sean Christensen (0-1, sideline); Hugh Muldoon (0-3, 1 free), Neil Vizzard; Paddy McKenna (0-1), Caolan Smith (0-1), Aaron Connolly.
Paddy Jordan for Daniel Malone (half-time); Oisín Coll for Hugh Muldoon (38); Cillian Ryan for Sean Christensen (42); TJ Dillon for Paddy McKenna (44); Ben O'Dea for Sean Malone (52).
Fergus Devereux.
