Balyna look to overcome the disappointment of two years ago against strong Naas team
A selection of the captains who will be involved in this weekend's Kildare LGFA finals Photo: Karl Gormley
Balyna were disappointed to lose by a point in the Final of the 2023 Joe Mallon Motors IFC and now they are determined to go one better as they face a very fancied Naas team in this year’s decider which will take place in Kilcock on this Saturday, throw in 4.30pm. Balyna topped Group A in the Group Stages while opponents Naas just pipped Raheens on score difference to top Group B. In the semi-finals Balyna defeated near neighbours, Carbury while Naas overcame Cappagh.
Kevin Larkin, now in his second year with Balyna, reflected on the fact that his side topped their Group.
“It’s great to get back to a Final and the tougher the games you get in the Championship the better. It really sets you up. If you are going to win the championship you have to beat the best teams.”
Balyna captain, Rachel Cribbin, is drawing on the performance of Johnstownbridge against Sarsfields two weeks ago where her brothers, Keith and Paul starred.
“When you see them putting it up to one of the biggest teams in the county hopefully, we can build on that now. We’re only a small village.”
It’s been a real turnaround for Naas in 2025 according to manager, Kenneth Henry.
“Last year we were in a Relegation Final so it’s great to reach a County Final this year. We have a crossover of three or four players with camogie but the players are well able to manage their own time. We were behind in this year’s semi-final but in fairness the players dug it out in the second half.”
It’s been a very good year for Naas captain, Lisa Shaw as she cemented her place on Pat Sullivan’s Kildare senior intercounty side.
“This time last year we were all a bit down in the dumps as we knew that was not the Naas team. Going into this year under new management everyone said we’re giving it another shot. Everyone just kicked on from there and we definitely didn’t want to be back in a Relegation Final this year.”
Balyna’s experience in appearing in the Final two years ago may well be the deciding factor in Saturday’s Final against Naas.
