RUGBY: JOHNE MURPHY
Murphy hoping to round off remarkable playing career in style
By Daire Walsh
HAVING seen his charges flirting with the prospect of relegation a few short weeks ago, Naas player/coach Johne Murphy is now preparing for a potential title challenge on Saturday afternoon.
Despite being just six points clear of eighth-place City of Armagh, they are also only four adrift of All-Ireland League Division 1B pace-setters Ballynahinch. Final round defeats for the Ulster men and Old Wesley would leave the door open for Naas and Murphy is excited for the visit of Buccaneers to Forenaughts.
“It has been a bit crazy to be honest, the way it has all panned out. We were looking over our shoulders about three or four games ago, thinking a relegation play-off was a potential. Now we’re in a situation where we’re probably pushing towards a play-off spot and the potential of winning it this weekend,” Murphy explained.
“It’s interesting going into this last weekend. There’s a lot to player for. The top-eight sides can still finish in the top-four. Every game this weekend has a relevance, which is what you want in the last game of the season really.”
Their campaign began last October with a emphatic 36-13 victory over Buccaneers at Dubarry Park and they come into this crunch contest with three consecutive wins under their belts. Given all the various permutations that can come into play, Murphy believes an expansive, attacking approach will be required for the full 80 minutes.
“We need to put our best foot forward this weekend. Regardless of the team and the position that they’re in. We have to try and give ourselves a chance of winning the league, never mind ensuring our spot. We have to try and get five points, if we want to be within a chance of winning the league. We have to go out with a very attack mindset and really push forward.”
While a promotion play-off seems the most likely outcome for Naas, it may well be their final game on home soil for the current season. As a consequence, it could prove to be a swansong for Murphy – who is set to hang up his boots to concentrate on his coaching role within the club.
The former Leicester and Munster back has enjoyed a remarkable playing career, which began and ended on the domestic club scene.
“It could be our last home game of the year, depending on where we finish in the play-offs. It could be an opportunity to see a Naas team lift some more silverware. On a personal note, I’m finishing up playing at the end of this year. It’s potentially my last home game,” Murphy acknowledged.
“My career over the last 14, 15 years, with two years in Lansdowne at AIL and then to finish with four years AIL in Naas. That’s pretty special. Hopefully we can finish the journey in a right way and get a good crowd down in Naas. If it’s not our last game, hopefully we can continue the form and bring that travelling support if we are away in the play-offs.”