DJ Carey’s Carlow shock holders Mary I

Fitzgibbon Cup: IT Carlow 1-22 - Mary Immaculate, Limerick 0-22: Fourteen-man IT Carlow, coached by Kilkenny legend DJ Carey, laid down an impressive marker when taking the scalp of defending Fitzgibbon Cup champions Mary Immaculate of Limerick in a thrilling, full-blooded opening-round tie at the Heywood Community College in Laois yesterday.

The visitors took early command on the astroturf surface and, showing deadly accuracy, stormed into a 0-6 to 0-1 lead by the ninth minute.

With Limerick senior players Cian Lynch and Aaron Gillane prominent, Mary I led 0-11 to 0-6 after 20 minutes before a fine Carlow move saw saw Kilkenny senior panellist Ritchie Leahy crash home the game’s only goal.