Much like the senior footballers, Carlow’s senior hurlers are entering new territory for 2019.
2018 was a fruitful year for Carlow – Division 2A and Joe McDonagh Cup champions, promotion secured to Division 1B and entry into the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
Now, recently ratified manager Colm Bonnar is looking forward to the step up in class for the new year, taking in all that Division 1B holds – All-Ireland runners-up and 2017 champions Galway included.
Speaking to KCLR at last week’s Carlow Sports Panel even in Sheehy Motors, Colm says that the players will have plenty of time to work on things which they need to improve their standard.
“The real proof now is that belief that they have in themselves – to really have that belief.”
“They will have that opportunity to show what they are about and that’s why I am looking forward to this Championship.”
“I am looking forward to this step up and I know it will bring more out of the players. But to go in with kind of question marks over yourself, or wondering am I as good as the next player? You have to really start off that I have the belief in myself and there is enough hours in the day to put in the effort, put in the work.”
“We might only train ten hours in a week and you have a huge amount to make yourself a better hurler, to prepare yourself better and to have that mindset.”
Having secured promotion to Division 1B, Carlow can look forward to tackling neighbours Laois along with Dublin, Galway, Waterford and Offaly.
Carlow get their campaign started on Saturday 26 January with an away trip to Dublin before welcoming Galway to Netwatch Cullen Park for their first home fixture the following Sunday.
