Pádraig Boyle hoping Kerry can stun favourites Carlow

Kerry hurler Pádraig Boyle is hoping the favourite’s tag will weigh heavily on Carlow’s shoulders when they meet in the opening round of the Joe McDonagh Cup at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday.

Following last year’s Christy Ring success over Antrim, the Barrowsiders are expected to be one of the main challengers in this inaugural second-tier competition.

The Leinster side also recently secured promotion to Division 1B of the Allianz League, but Boyle feels the six-team format will spring a number of surprises as the summer progresses.