In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Naas secured a hard-fought victory over Mount Leinster Rangers, booking their spot in the Leinster senior hurling club semi-finals. But here's where it gets controversial—was it Naas' resilience or Rangers' missed opportunities that truly decided the game? Let’s dive in.
The match, held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, saw Naas (Kildare) edge out Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) with a final score of 2-17 to 1-17. The Carlow champions started strong on their home turf, with Chris Nolan and Donagh Murphy quickly putting points on the board. However, Naas’ Jack Sheridan, the standout scorer of the first half, kept the visitors in contention with his precision and support from teammates like Charlie Sheridan, whose goal in the 22nd minute narrowed the gap to 1-08 to 0-11 at halftime.
The second half kicked off with Naas in control, nearly scoring an early goal denied only by Rangers’ keeper Frank Foley. Yet, points from Killian Harrington and Jack Sheridan gave Naas the lead. A second goal from Sheridan in the 41st minute seemed to seal their dominance. But here’s the part most people miss—despite Chris Nolan’s red card late in the third quarter, Rangers fought back valiantly, shifting Kevin McDonald to the full-forward line, where he capitalized on a rebound to keep the game within reach.
With just a point separating the teams, Naas dug deep, and Simon Leacy’s crucial scores from narrow angles secured their victory. Rangers, needing a goal to turn the tide, couldn’t find the breakthrough, leaving Naas to advance to face Wexford champions St Martin’s in the semis.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Did Naas win because of their tactical brilliance, or did Rangers lose due to their inability to capitalize on key moments? Let us know in the comments!
Naas Team: Cormac Gallagher; Liam O’Reilly, Ross Kelly, Peter O’Donoghue; Harry Carroll, Daire Guerin, Charlie Sheridan (1-00); Rian Boran, Evan O’Brian; Simon Leacy (0-04), Brian Byrne (0-02), Killian Harrington (0-01); Ferran O’Sullivan (0-01), Jack Sheridan (1-08, 4fs), Cathal Dowling. Sub: Cian Boran (0-01) for O’Sullivan (38).
Mount Leinster Rangers Team: Frank Foley; Michael Doyle, Michael Joyce, Sean Joyce; Richard Coady, Kevin McDonald (1-04, 3fs), Evan Kealy; Fiachra Fitzpatrick (0-01), Conaill Fitzpatrick; Ruairi Murphy (0-01), Jon Nolan (0-3), Donagh Murphy (0-01); Ted Joyce, Diarmuid Byrne, Chris Nolan (0-07, 4fs). Subs: Tim Brennan for Coady (34), Joe Dundon for R Murphy (44), Dean Tobin for Byrne (52), Paul Coady for T Joyce (54).
Referee: Eamon Furlong (Wexford).
What’s your take on this nail-biting match? Share your thoughts below!
