Naas round off group stages with comfortable win
Dermot Hanafin scores the first goal of the game for Naas Photo: INPHO/James Lawlor
Naas made it three wins from three in Group D of the Joe Mallon Motors Senior Football Championship with an emphatic victory over Clogherinkoe.
The former county champions were in complete control for long periods and served further notice of their title credentials with a display of power, pace and depth. Every aspect of their game clicked, and even when Alex Beirne, Darragh Kirwan and Paddy McDermott were withdrawn during the second half, their replacements ensured there was no drop in standards.
Clogherinkoe knew they needed a fast start if they were to spring an upset and they got exactly that through the trusty left boot of Jimmy Lynch, who had his side three points to the good inside as many minutes. A two-pointer in the second minute was quickly followed by a single point as the county's rising U20 star showcased his quality. However, despite that ideal opening, Clogherinkoe would endure a 23-minute scoreless spell.
Naas quickly assumed control, attacking from every angle with relentless pace and purpose. Points from Paul McDermott, centre-back Cathal Daly and a free from Alex Beirne brought the sides level after eight minutes. The points continued to flow as Naas threatened to put the contest beyond reach before the interval. Two scores apiece from Darragh Kirwan and Ryan Sinkey, either side of Beirne's second point, moved Naas five clear.
A foul on the usually influential Jack Robinson allowed the classy forward to convert a two-point free and reduce the deficit to three. Clogherinkoe were then handed a golden opportunity when the excellent Aedan Boyle released Jimmy Lynch through on goal. Referee Lee Moore consulted with his umpires before awarding a penalty, but Lynch's effort was brilliantly saved by Jack Rodgers. From the resulting 45, Lynch struck the post as Naas escaped unscathed.
Late points from Alex Beirne and Dermot Hanifin left Naas firmly in command at the break, leading by 0-10 to 0-5.
The onslaught continued after the restart as Naas rattled off five unanswered points to stretch their advantage to 10. Kevin Cummins, Alex Beirne with his fourth score, Darragh Kirwan, Euan Cowzer and Cathal Daly, who impressively split the posts off his left foot, all found the target as the scoreline moved to 0-15 to 0-5.
Jimmy Lynch converted a free in the 42nd minute during a rare attack by Clogherinkoe, while Cein McMonagle also got on the scoresheet. Ryan Sinkey, however, responded in style, showing tremendous strength before clipping over his third point.
The game's only goal arrived at the end of the third quarter. A sweeping Naas move involving Darragh Kirwan and Ryan Sinkey created the opening for Dermot Hanifin, who finished low to the net. Sinkey quickly added his fourth point as Naas moved 13 clear.
After Lynch departed, substitute Sean Dennihan landed two frees for Clogherinkoe, while Mark Grehan and Killian Galligan also contributed scores. Naas remained in complete control, however, and continued to pick off scores at will.
Kevin Cummins broke forward from the right flank to land the game's second two-pointer, while the influential Paul McDermott rounded off an impressive personal display with two late scores as Naas ran out convincing 1-21 to 0-11 winners.
More demanding tests undoubtedly lie ahead for Naas, and future opponents are unlikely to afford them the same amount of space. Nevertheless, their attacking options are formidable. With six dangerous forwards and outstanding pace throughout the team, they look every bit genuine championship contenders and remain firm favourites to go all the way.
For Clogherinkoe, there was disappointment in narrowly missing out on a knockout place. Their focus now turns to preserving their senior status for another season.
Jack Rogers; Mark Maguire, Brian Byrne, Jack McKevitt, Rob Murray, Cathal Daly 0-2, Paddy McDermott 0-3; Paul McDermott, Daire Guerin; Dermot Hanifin 1-1, Daragh Kirwan 0-3, Kevin Cummins 0-3 (1tp), Euan Cowzer 0-1, Alex Beirne 0-4 (1f), Ryan Sinkey 0-4.
James Burke for Guerin, h/t; Neil Aherne for Beirne, 39; Liam Kenny for Paddy McDermott, 47; Sean Hanafin for Cowzer, 49; Fintan Quinn for Kirwan, 51.
Keith Wilkinson; Aedan Boyle, David Hill, Rory Phelan, Andrew Hill, Killian Galligan 0-1, Daire Travers; Caelum Flanagan, Daniel Grehan; Jimmy Lynch 0-4 (1tp, 1f),Joe McIlduff, Cein McMonagle 0-1, Jack Robinson 0-2 (1tpf), Rian Cully, Fionn Casey.
Sean Dennihan 0-2 (2f) for Robinson, h/t; Mark Grehan 0-1 for Casey, 38; Conor O’Donoghue for McMonagle, 47; Jamie Boyle for Lynch, 49; Ben Kenny for Cully, 55.
Lee Moore
