When Carlow’s county final lasted eight weeks

Ever hear the story of the Carlow senior hurling final that took eight weeks to determine a winner? Urban myth or glorious fact?

Myshall’s Naomh Eoin were punters favourites to record their fourth county championship win in the 1978 decider against St Mullins, and a large crowd converged on Dr Cullen Park in expectation of a fire and brimstone encounter between the two neighbours and heavyweights of Carlow hurling. The initial tie was played some time at the end of September, but little did the players or spectators know that it would be close to Christmas before any silverware was hoisted.

“That final went to three draws and a replay,” recalls Carlow County Board secretary, Ger Lennon.