Kildare SFC semi-final draw made as Maynooth take out champs

Daragh Kirwan of Naas with Celbridge's Mick O'Grady during the 2024 Kildare SFC final ©INPHO/James Lawlor

The Kildare SFC semi-final draw has paired Naas with Maynooth and Sarsfields with Celbridge.

It follows a busy weekend of quarter-final action in which Maynooth’s 1-10 to 0-11 extra-time victory over holders Athy was the standout result. Sean Hever’s goal helped the winners to a 1-4 to 0-5 half-time lead before Athy rallied after the restart. Maynooth’s only score of the second period was a Paddy Mahoney two-point free, but it was enough to send the tie to extra-time where they ground out the win.

Maynooth will face Naas in the last-four after Alex Beirne fired 2-4, including a goal from a penalty, in a 2-17 to 1-15 win over Johnstownbridge. Ryan Sinkey also chipped in with 0-5 for the championship favourites, who are seeking their fifth title in six years.

Sarsfields continued their recent dominance over Newbridge rivals Moorefield by running out comfortable 1-20 to 1-7 winners. The Sash dominated the first half to lead by 0-15 to 1-1 at the interval, with Tommy Rooney accounting for Moorefield’s two scores.

Karl Hartley’s late goal sealed the deal for Sarsfields who will now meet Celbridge, after they accounted for Raheens by 0-13 to 0-10 in the other quarter-final.