LAST October, few in the GAA world heard the story about a Carlow footballer fighting for his life.

Derry 1-18 Carlow 2-9, Dr Cullen Park

Wicklow 3-13 Carlow 0-12

Leitrim leapfrogged Carlow in Division 4 of the National Football League after a 1-16 to 1-12 win over the Leinster side in Dr. Cullen Park yesterday.

Waterford, Clare and Wicklow joined Limerick at the top of the table in Division 4 of the National Football League, following some close-run encounters this afternoon.

CARLOW have known plenty of false dawns. It was a wonder Éire Óg could dominate the club scene in Leinster, agonisingly close to All-Ireland glory, and yet the county team would fail to function.

MICKEY HARTE has rated Brian Dooher as 50-50 for the All-Ireland champions’ opening Ulster tie against Armagh on May 31.

ANTRIM GAA chiefs have slammed the decision to stage next weekend’s NFL Division Four final in Longford.

The GAA’s Central Hearings Committee has rescinded the eight-week suspension proposed for Kildare’s Dermot Earley following his red card in last Sunday's league meeting with Meath.

Cushendall were crowned the first provincial club champions of 2008 thanks to a 1-14 to 1-13 victory over Down champions Ballygalget in the Ulster club SHC final at Casement Park, on a day which saw 13 county finals around the country, and also action in the Ulster and Connacht provincial club championships.

Four Carlow players will get their first taste of championship action tomorrow after Paul Bealin named them in his team for the Leinster SFC first round tussle with Meath at Croke Park (throw-in 3.50pm).

COLÁISTE na Sceilge’s unbeaten reign in the Irish Examiner Corn Uí Mhuirí which stretched back to 2001 finally came to an end in Knocknagree yesterday where a finely tuned Coláiste Chríost Rí emerged comfortable winners in a one-sided final.