Sarsfields join Maynooth in Kildare SFC final

Cedral St Conleth's Park under lights ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Sarsfields have set up a Kildare SFC final showdown with Maynooth after easing to a 2-17 to 2-9 victory over Celbridge in the second of the semi-finals at Cedral St Conleth's Park yesterday.

Perennial semi-finalists Celbridge - they've reached the last-four stage every year since 2014 - led by 2-7 to 1-6 at the break, but were blown away by a resurgent Sarsfields after the restart who reached their first final since 2021. 

The winners were 1-5 to 0-4 up at the end of the opening quarter thanks to a goal from corner back Colm Hartnett, but Celbridge hit back with majors from Cian Bolger and Cian Powell to put themselves in a strong position going into half-time.

The Dublin-border club extended extended their lead at the start of the second half, but 'The Sash' seized control after Luke Mahon's 35th minute goal reduced the deficit to the minimum. Substitute Ryan Kearney tied up the scoring at 2-8 apiece before a flurry of unanswered points from Barry Coffey, Callum Bolton, Daragh Ryan and Karl Hartley in the final quarter secured their place in Sunday week's decider against Maynooth, who are preparing for their final since 1910 after knocking out Naas on Saturday.