They’re a fiery bunch, are the Carlow lads.
One thing is guaranteed when you’re facing off against Carlow, and that’s that they’ll fight tooth and nail from the first minute to the last.
Turlough O’Brien’s army went into Saturday’s qualifier clash with Monaghan as severe underdogs, just like they do for the majority of their games.
True to their style, they put up one hell of a fight, and were it not for the introduction of super-sub youngster Conor McCarthy, the Farney men were in real, legitimate bother.
The men of the south-east were hungry, they were ferocious and they were savagely determined. This wholehearted approach kept Monaghan’s star men Jack McCarron and Conor McManus on the periphery of the game and nearly lead to the shock of the Championship so far.
Buoyed by a vociferous home support, Turlough O’Brien’s men remained in front until the dying embers of the game, with a Fintan Kelly goal finally killing them off.
Not many expected this performance from Carlow, but manager Turlough O’Brien knew well Monaghan were in for a shock.
Speaking after the game, he admirably claimed that no matter how many people write a team off, it’s what’s inside the group that will make the difference.
O’Brien believes a small side can pull off the greatest of giant-killings if they have the belief, if they have the work-ethic.
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His side have it in abundance, and they’ll certainly cause a shock or two in the future.
“We had our homework done…Any team can be beaten if you set up properly and you’re organised enough. It’s Monaghan’s day and best of luck to them.”
“It was a great performance but we’re gutted at the same time.
Carlow’s achievements this year, in beating Wexford and Leitrim, and giving Dublin and Monaghan scares, should be of huge inspiration to the so-called underdogs, that on any given day, even the most fancied teams can be rattled.
