Carlow confident
Tomorrow their minor footballers contest the All-Ireland MFC quarter-final against Galway in Tullamore (2pm).
Edged out in the Leinster final by Laois, 3-8 to 1-12, there is confidence within the squad that they can keep their title hopes alive today, says coach Declan McGovern.
McGovern said: “Carlow were never in the Leinster final before and getting there was a tremendous achievement. They are a very good bunch of players, eager to listen and learn. Looking back on the Leinster final against Laois, we missed two close-in 13-metre frees and drove a penalty over the bar and only lost by two points.
“Today’s quarter-final is the perfect opportunity to make a statement, that football in the county is every bit as good as the rest of the country. As U-16s they did very well in the Leinster competitions and we now want to take it on. “Going to Croke Park twice this year was something special, so Tullamore today should hold no fears for us.
“Our philosophy all season has been to take it one game at a time. While Galway will be favourites, I see no reason why we cannot turn the tables.”
Carlow are concerned about the fitness of Gary Nolan who was outstanding in the Leinster final. He has been receiving treatment all week but is expected to to play.
The Galway team is one of the best they’ve had in years, moving the ball at speed and strong down the middle with Colin Forde at full back, Damien O’Reilly at centre back, captain Paul Conroy at midfield Tommy Walsh on the 40 and Michael Martyn at full forward are their key players.
