Leixlip named champions as Naas fail to fulfill final fixture

Dylan Doherty in Championship action for Leixlip. Pic: Sean Brilly

Leixlip are the Kildare Intermediate Hurling champions after Naas confirmed to the CCC that they would be unable to fulfil the fixture, set for Sunday at 11am.

A statement today by the Kildare CCC said: "Naas has advised the CCC that they are unable to fulfil the fixture, and it is therefore cancelled."

It is the final chapter in what has become a chaotic saga surrounding the county final. The game had originally been scheduled for last Saturday in St Conleth's Park in Newbridge before the IFC final replay. 

However, the adverse weather conditions that hit the county prompted officials to move the fixture to Manguard Park on Saturday evening, subject to a pitch inspection.

Following an inspection on Saturday lunchtime, the pitch was deemed unplayable and the game was refixed for Saturday 31 October 31 at 4pm.

That plan was altered again on Monday when it was confirmed the decider would instead take place on Sunday 1 November at the unusual hour for an adult county final of 11am.

Naas have now informed the CCC that they are unable to fulfil the fixture, leaving Leixlip to claim the title in the most unsatisfactory of circumstances.

Leixlip's dissatisfaction with the situation was evident in a post from the club's official account on X, which read: "Very disappointed to learn this. It does nothing to promote hurling or the Intermediate Championship."

Due to Naas' involvement in the Kildare Senior Championship, Leixlip were already guaranteed promotion and will replace Confey, who lost last week's relegation final, regardless of the outcome of the Intermediate Final.

Leixlip were also already assured of their place in the Leinster Junior Hurling Championship, where they are due to face Turin of Westmeath in Killucan on Saturday, November 7th.