Carlow manager Tom Mullally is not getting over excited with his side’s victory against Kildare on Saturday afternoon.
The Barrowsider’s came out on top in a pulsating clash against the Lilywhites in Newbridge on Saturday as they got their Joe McDonagh Cup campaign off to the perfect start.
While admitting that he was “absolutely delighted” with the win, Mullally insists that there is a lot to improve on for next weekend’s clash with Westmeath.
He said: “We’re delighted. We needed to get the win against a team who was in form.
“I couldn’t credit our own players enough coming up here today and getting the win against a really good Kildare side. It’s the perfect start for us.
“There is a lot to improve on, however. I’m sure Westmeath will feel that they don’t have much to fear against us next Saturday.”
The Kilkenny native was pleased with the consistency that Carlow showed throughout the encounter and highlighted his side’s work ethic as a key reason for coming away with a crucial victory.
“I thought we responded well to the questions that were asked of us throughout the game. We worked really hard and showed great character.
“We applied ourselves properly and we’re just happy to be staying in the competition.”
Carlow were without talisman Marty Kavanagh who looks set to miss the rest of the campaign due to a knee injury he sustained last week.
Mullally is not pondering on players who are not available, however. Instead, he wants to focus on the members of his panel who will be vying for Kavanagh’s place in the starting line-up.
“Whenever you lose any member of your panel, they’re always irreplaceable in terms of the talent and skill set that they bring to the team.
“However, that’s why we have a panel. One person’s loss is another’s opportunity, so we’ll get to see who is ready to step up for us.”
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