They are a bit different down Carlow direction.
A small county tucked away in the South East, they often go overlooked – despite gifting the nation Saoirse Ronan, Sean O’Brien and Kathryn Thomas.
Their footballers have been impossible to miss this summer – defeating Wexford, scaring Dublin and then accounting for fellow minnows London and Leitrim in the qualifiers.
For the first time since 1944 they had recorded three Championship wins in the one summer.
Hell, they are so keen for you to come watch them they have players selling tickets in SuperValu two hours before throw-in.
Hats off to Carlow goalkeeper for his ultra-relaxed preparation for Monaghan clash https://t.co/XRSdJTqOtF
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) July 15, 2017
No one gave them much of a chance as they welcomed a resurgent Monaghan to Netwatch Dr Cullen Park – a genuine Division 1 contender against a side who could not get out of Division 4 – but the Leinster men had other ideas.
A packed ground saw the underdogs tear into their vaunted opponents – keeping things very tight in the first half before turning the screw after the break.
Alas, it was not to be, as a Fintan Kelly fisted goal with four minutes of normal time remaining settled things in favour of Malachy O’Rourke’s men. They ran out 1-12 to 1-7 winners, which was not a fair reflection on a terrific Carlow effort.
The Ulster men were made to work very hard for it, with Gary Kelly raising a green flag for Carlow in the second half to give the home side a two-point lead.
It was a superb effort – with the imperious Brendan Murphy driving them on from midfield and Paul Broderick keeping them in touch with some first-class free-taking.
In the end their brave efforts were not enough, but their supporters certainly enjoyed the ride, using #CarlowRising to document their journey.
https://twitter.com/emmainfrance/status/886299948148555776
https://twitter.com/BridGallahue/status/886288451032817668
Sean Murphy of #carlowgaa sheared 50 Sheep the morning before he was Man of the Match vs Dublin.What a hero 🐑🐑🐑🐑 #carlowrising pic.twitter.com/eAhEPSFrUN
— John Mannion (@mannionman) July 15, 2017
Jamaica up by two and twenty mins left. #gaa #skysportsgaa #carlowrising pic.twitter.com/60UTqyXTXr
— Kieran (@bobdebilde) July 15, 2017
The best goal Gary Kelly scored since the one against Germany in 94 #carlowrising
— Oisin Langan (@oisinlangan) July 15, 2017
Sitting in the taxi here on the way to @CruachanClan and @Tankran talking absolute shite about the GAA to the taxi man! #CarlowRising
— Jason Ryan (@Jasnryn) July 15, 2017
Can anyone out there who believes say a few prayers for Carlow now. #LoveCarlow #CarlowRising
— Eimear Ní Bhraonáin (@eimeardeschemer) July 15, 2017
https://twitter.com/Cunionsandphey/status/886306837259333636
