Murphy return a huge boost for Carlow

FEARS Brendan Murphy could miss Carlow’s Leinster championship clash with Louth have receded after the midfielder took a full part in training on Thursday.

Manager Luke Dempsey had concerns the former Aussie Rules player would not recover from a ligament strain but the Rathvilly man undertook an intensive treatment programme this week and has been passed fit.

Murphy’s availability is a massive boost to Dempsey’s side who are desperate to end a miserable run of form in Leinster.

Their last success was in 2004 when they beat Longford in Tullamore and only Patrick Hickey, Paul Cashin and Thomas Walsh remain from that side.

The return of Walsh after a spell with Wicklow is a massive inspiration for the county’s younger players according to midfielder Darragh Foley.

He admitted: “I remember growing up watching Thomas Walsh play football. He is a class act. He is one of the best midfielders in the country. Whenever we need him he is always there for us.”

Foley and captain Shane Redmond are amongst seven players who have impressed at U21 level and the midfielder believes that the youthful core has created a strong spirit in the squad.

“We have a sense of everyone pulling in the same direction. We have a small enough panel but the lads are fully committed. We have gone more like players from clubs.”

Never will that sense of team spirit and morale be more tested than in Portlaoise tomorrow but full-forward Daniel St Ledger believes now is the time to strike.

“It comes down to championship and when push came to shove last year they didn’t finish it.

“Maybe they will have second season syndrome. We will be going in as underdogs and hopefully we can catch them on the hop.”