PHILLY FILLIP GIVES NAAS A SHOT AT FIVE

NAAS goal hero Alex Beirne has described Philly McMahon as “a breath of fresh air” as the Kildare champions advanced to another county final and a possible five in a row.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Naas overcame Celbridge, their opponents in the last two county finals, by 1-20 to 0-13 to set up a decider against Athy or Sarsfields in a fortnight.

Former Dublin star McMahon took the reins in June and it is his first managerial role.

Beirne, who scored 1-7 at Cedral St Conleth's Park, has been impressed by the Ballymun man’s tactical approach.

“Ah, a breath of fresh air,” said Beirne. “Like, how could you not respect or listen to a man who has eight All-Ireland medals in his back pocket and All Stars, and we won't even count the Leinster medals he has.

“Look, we loved our last management group and Joe (Murphy) and Kev (Martin).