NAAS MADE it through to the quarter-finals of the Leinster Senior Club Football Championship at the expense of Tullamore in Newbridge on Sunday thanks to a freak last play goal.
The Offaly champions looked to be heading to victory, but in injury time despite holding a two point lead, Naas slotted a freak goal to take the victory.
In the 64th minute, Darragh Kirwan's shot from the edge of the large rectangle was saved by Tullamore goalkeeper Corey White and the rebound fell to his teammate Aaron Leavy. Kirwan had not given up hope of grabbing a decisive score, and from his block of Leavy's clearance, the ball rolled to the net.
Darragh Kirwan's shot from the edge of the large rectangle was saved by Tullamore goalkeeper Corey White in the 64th minute. The rebound fell to his teammate Aaron Leavy. Kirwan with determination had given up hope of grabbing the winner, and from his block of Leavy's clearance, the ball rolled into the net.
The goal put Naas ahead, 2-11 to 3-7. Naas play Wicklow champions Blessington, who defeated Mullinalaghta on Sunday, in the last eight.
"It was similar to two weeks ago in the [Kildare] final," Naas captain Eamon Callaghan told KFM.
"It was chaos for the last couple of minutes. We just never looked like getting a goal really there. It was gone from us.
"After their blitz, they got two goals in two minutes. We probably had six chances of scoring a goal when we were only three points down. We missed all of them. They dropped short, nothing was going for us.
"Then one lucky break at the end. Missing the initial shot, and just getting the rebound and blocking it in... It was something I'd never seen before anyway."
2021 Leinster Club SFC
Round 1
Naas (Kildare) 2-11
Tullamore (Offaly) 3-7
Full Time
A brilliant end to the game. Naas advance to the quarter-finals! pic.twitter.com/37DdjMMqGO— Kildare GAA (@KildareGAA) November 21, 2021
