Carlow clinch promotion

Carlow won promotion to Division 1B of the NHL when they defeated Westmeath in a disappointing Division 2A final at Nowlan Park yesterday.

Substitute Martin Clowry was the hero for Carlow as his 68th minute goal gave them a five-point lead with just three minutes remaining. Westmeath were reduced to 13 players by that stage as Paul Greville (55th minute) and John Gilligan (63rd) were both sent off.

A poor first-half ended with Carlow leading 0-6 to 0-4. The second-half improved and just one point divided the sides by the 50th minute when Carlow surged ahead. A point each by Daryl Roberts and Andrew Gaule and two by Paudie Kehoe saw them stretch their lead to five.