Naas manager Joe Murphy on 'An incredible achievement'

“It’s mixed emotions, happiness and relief really because the way that game was going you’d wonder if a replay was all over it, or a bad loss. It’s a terrible way to lose a game, but we won it and I’m so happy,” the words of Naas manager Joe Murphy following his Naas side’s third Senior Football Championship in a row.

Murphy added, “Even in my own playing days, there was a wonderful Clane team that didn’t do it (three-in-a-row), there was a tough and hard-hitting Sarsfields team that didn’t do it (in my time) and there was a great Moorefield team of the early noughties that didn’t do it. So to put three-in-a-row together is an incredible achievement and it's one they can be very proud of.”

The Naas manager praised his players for managing the tense game so impressively.
He said, “Experience is key in these tight games and the majority of these guys are very young but they still a bundle of experience, some have won All-Irelands with Kildare U20, some have won All-Irelands with the school so there is good pedigree in that dressing room and we are very proud of them.”

Meanwhile Celbridge manager, Micheál McDermott admitted that “we were chasing the whole game, we didn't play well in the first half, came out in the second half and upped our performance; we got within a point and then a long kick-out, a flock-on and a point; at crucial times things just didn't go our way.”

The Cavan native said that even the black card defence if there had been an advantage we had a three-on-one situation to go and get a goal; just didn't get the breaks to go our way.”

The manager added “that what was pleasing and what I am proud of the players no matter what was throw at us we fought to the bitter end; losing Tony Archbold; Conor Plunkett was only on when he was forced off; so everything that could did go against us including Hugh McGrillen unable to start, but fair duce to Naas they are a good quality side; a third title and they will be a force in Leinster and will be knocking on the door again in Leinster this year.”