Magnificent Naas up to second spot in AIL Division 1B

Naas went second in the 2026/’27 Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B table with another devastating home performance against Armagh last Saturday afternoon.

In doing so they took the five points on offer, maintaining their sublime home form this season, having amassed the maximum 15 points available in the three games to date, scoring no less than 129 points in the process. On a glorious afternoon for rugby, they suffered a setback before kick-off with David O’Sullivan having to withdraw due to injury, but Rory Taylor proved a more than able replacement.

Right from the start both sides endeavoured to play fast, open rugby making this a very enjoyable spectacle for those present, and it was the home side who took the lead after ten minutes. After a big carry in midfield by Stephen Lackey the ball was recycled by the pack, and some quick hands by backs moved the ball out to the left wing to Darragh Murphy. The latter sprinted down the wing before passing inside to the supporting Tadhg Brophy, who managed to evade an attempted tackle by Fred Harris before scoring. Daniel Tickelpenny added the conversion.

The Kildare men went further ahead after 21 minutes. From a line-out take by Oisin Halpin the backs again made full use of the quality ball being provided. Armagh simply could not contain the pace of their attack, as Naas quickly moved the ball out to Cillian Redmond who got in at the left corner. Although Daniel Tickelpenny was unable to convert this score, Naas now led by 12 points.

Tickelpenny added a penalty after 32 minutes, and four minutes later Naas got in for their third try of the afternoon, when following a great deal of pressure by the home pack, the Armagh defence was breached when Ryan Casey dived over from close range. Daniel Tickelpenny added the conversion and Naas led by 22 points to nil.

To the credit having been totally outplayed for the first half Armagh responded on the stroke of half-time, with a score that will be a contender for try of the season at the end of the campaign.

The visitors were under all sorts of pressure on their own line when out-half Owen O’Kane put in a daring crossfield kick, which was gathered by Ethan Graham. The latter managed to kick ahead before being tackled, the loose ball was fly-kicked ahead by Fred Harris and he showed great pace to win the long race for the touchdown. The visitors had gone the length of the pitch in a matter of seconds for a memorable score, which was converted by Owen O’Kane to make the score at the interval: Naas 22 – Armagh 7.

Within four minutes of the restart Naas had secured their try bonus point. Adam Deay did brilliantly to get his hands on the ball in a ruck, winning a penalty in the process which was dispatched to touch. The line-out was won by Oisin Halpin and the Naas pack set up a d maul that Armagh were powerless to stop, leading to Darragh Murphy diving ove; Daniel Tickelpenny slotted the conversion.

The visitors did reduce the margin after 55 minutes, when following a big driving maul Matthew Hooks was able to power over for a try which Owen O’Kane was unable to convert. But any thoughts of a dramatic fight back were extinguished just four minutes later. The visitors attempted to attack from half-way, but Tadhg Brophy read their intentions brilliantly, intercepting and racing away to score under the posts for a try which Daniel Tickelpenny converted.

To their credit Armagh never stopped trying and they were rewarded after 73 minutes, when following a big scrum, Thomas Dougan picked from the base of it to crash over for a try, which was not converted.

However fittingly it was Naas who had the final say. With just one minute remaining a big carry by David Upton took play right up to the Armagh line, and from the ruck Cormac King fed the backs and quick passes by Paddy Taylor and Tadhg Brophy found Dylan Duffy out wide left, who dived over. Daniel Tickelpenny rounded off a marvellous day with the boot when slotting the conversion from the touchline, to round off the scoring for the day with Naas empathic winners by 43 points to 17.

A complete performance by Naas who simply below away their opponents. They were dominant in all facets of play, completely overpowering what is a very good Armagh side.

Next up is a trip to the capital to face Dublin University next Saturday afternoon. Ironically the student side are the only side to have beaten Naas in Forenaughts in 2026, when 40-26 victors last March The game has a 2.30pm kick-off .

NAAS: Cillian Redmond, Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Paddy Taylor, Rory Taylor, Daniel Tickelpenny, Tadhg Brophy, Jamie Bohan, Liam Gilheany-Black, Stephen Lackey, Oisin Halpin, James O’Loughlin, Ryan Casey (capt), Muiris Cleary, Darragh Murphy. Replacements: David Upton, Adam Deay, Titas Cesonis, Conor Butler, Cormac King, Dylan Duffy.

ARMAGH: Shea O’Brien, Joshua Cunningham, Sam Cunningham, Fred Harris, Ethan Graham, Owen O’Kane, Danny Guy, Niall Carville, Finn Fehnert, Taylor Gayle, Noah Bell, Josh Glasgow, Thomas Dougan, Curtis Pollock (capt), James Anderson. Replacements: James Gould, Sam Karlsen, Mac Rutherford, Sam Glasgow, Gerard Treanor, Matthew Hooks.

REFEREE: George Clancy.