'We are in a good place' - Naas manager Joe Murphy

Naas manager Joe Murphy was full of praise for his semi-final opponents and said his players certainly left everything out on the field, “they had to” he insisted.

The manager, not for the first time had high praise not just for his starting team but especially for the lads who came off the bench against Athy.

“They brought an extra intensity but not only that each and every one of them contributed to the win and that is really what is more pleasing from our point of view.”

I am fully aware we have no character issues, they are all strong minded and very ambitious players but when it is reconfirmed to you in front of your eyes that you see how deep they are willing to go for each other and for their club it gives you a great shot in the arm added the manager.

“We were delighted to have defeated Athy, very pleased with the challenge we were given, there were nervous moments but we are more than happy, semi-finals are there to be won.”

Looking forward to the final, Murphy said “we are in a good place, if we were going into the final without that test we got in the semi-final, going in believing our own hype, but hopefully we can get everyone fit, we won't know about that until later but we are aware Celbridge will pose a big threat and we know we will have to produce our best to win.”