Kildare GAA: Politicans as plentiful as apples in an orchard

And we can build this thing together;
Standing strong forever;
Nothing's gonna stop us now.

The lyrics of the Newbridge Gospel Choir's opening rendition at Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge on Sunday afternoon, It certainly got the attendance of 5,426 in the mood as they awaited the throw-in for the 2024 Joe Mallon Motors Senior Football Championship decider.
Earlier in the day we had the official opening of the redeveloped Cedral St Conleth's Park in the Cedral Lounge at the magnificent venue.
And if you didn't believe there was a general election on the way you would certainly know there was now with more politicians present than apples in an orchard.
No matter where you turned there was a junior minister, or two, TDs, senators, prospective TDs and prospective senators, candidates, councillors, you name they were there by the bucketful.
Uachtaráin Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns was in attendance along with the present officers of Kildare Co. Board, past chairmen and secretaries, representatives of Cedral, along with anyone involved with the re-development.
Padraig McManus who chaired the Development Committee along with Tony Jones, Enda Murphy and Pat Molloy who ensured they got the project over the line on time and on budget, were present and in good form.
And why shouldn't they.
Co. Board Chairman Mick Gorman was in buoyant form as was his vice-chairman Colm Farrell along with Mick Mullen, the latter two having already indicated they will be standing for the top job come December convention.
Not spotted were two others who have since put their names in the ring, so to speak, for two upcoming positions at board level — Bryan Murphy of Leinster final 1998 fame has indicated he is going forward for the role of chairman while Colm Nolan, former Hurling Board Chairman has indicated he is seeking the position of vice-chair.
So interesting times ahead on that one.
Chairman Gorman welcomed one and all of the invited guests, thanking everyone and anyone involved in the project either in the last 18 months, or indeed back to 2017 when the project was put top of the agenda by the then chair, Ger Donnelly.
There was a great feel-good atmosphere in the new Cedral Lounge and while Mr Gorman was looking dapper no doubt the 'best turned out' award went to vice chair Colm Farrell.
As for the game.
Well, finals are all about winning, all about getting over the line, all about getting your hands on the Dermot Bourke Cup.
Naas did what Naas do well.
Win.
While one could say that Celbridge did what Celbridge do.
Unfortunately for them.
It has to be absolutely heart-breaking for the boys from the north of the county to suffer another defeat.
Back-to-back final day defeats.
But not just that.
They have lost more quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals than probably any other team has experienced for many a long day.
Sunday's defeat will certainly test their character but they are a resilient side, they will take it on the chin, dust themselves down over the next weeks and months and have no doubt will be back looking for that elusive victory that has eluded them since their one and only final victory back in 2008.
As for Naas?
Well what can you say?
They looked in control.
They looked to be playing well within themselves, without it has to be said, setting the place alight.
They looked in trouble at times in the second half. A half that swung one way and then the other.
In the end it was Joe Murphy's side who prevailed, albeit by a single point but prevailed they did.
It matters little when you win a county title if it is by one or a multitude of points.
It is all about winning.
And as for entertainment?
Well Naas captain Eon Doyle summed it up perfectly from his, and his club's perspective when he said after the game “It was a low scoring game; don't know if it was entertaining” adding “and I don't care either.”
So another title goes to the county town.
At this stage they might be looking for planning permission to build a new trophy room such has been their success in the last six year or so.
Hurling or football it makes no difference.
From minor to senior.
It makes no difference.
And they are not finished just yet.
Their hurlers will be looking to add another Cup come Sunday.
But as Eoin Doyle remarked after Sunday “I have been playing now for some 15 years with the team and for the first 11 we never came anywhere near winning a senior title; so this may be our fourth title in a row but you never forget the barren days; that is what makes this victory today so pleasing, so satisfying and so brilliant.”
And of course the season is far from over for the footballers of the county town.
On Saturday week they return to Cedral St Conleth's Park for the first game under lights when they take on Dublin champions Cuala in the AIB Leinster Club Football quarter-final.
Now there is something to look forward to.
Fasten your seat belts.
This season is far from over yet!