John Divilly on Carlow: The team Turlough O'Brien built is evolving nicely

OUT OF REACH: Sligo’s Nathan Mullen can’t stop the ball slipping to Carlow’s Chris Blake in the Division 4 Allianz Football League clash at Netwatch Cullen Park. The Leinster side emerged as two-point winners and looked impressive under new boss Niall Carew. Picture: Patrick Browne

No traffic. No crowds. No queues. No programmes. No tea. No Twix. No dodgy chips. No-one sitting beside you. No running commentary. No handbags. No latecomers. No chanter for the National Anthem. No colour. No Brendan Murphy. No pitch invasions. No Turlough with a clipboard. No half-time analysis at the urinals. No Poacher racing on the touchlines. No kids. No autographs. No craic. No Player Holding Back. No excuses.

The game has been stripped bare and the players are baring their souls.