Carlow continued their winning ways in the Kehoe Cup on Sunday with a five-point victory over Down in Abbottstown.
A goal from Conor Kehoe and 12 points off the stick of Ciarán Whelan saw Carlow pick up a second win on the bounce having slipped to a defeat to Carlow in the opening round of the competition.
While there may have been something of an over-reliance on Paul Sheehan for Down, he already had seven points beside his name at halftime but it would be Carlow to take a one-point lead into the break. Conor Kehoe found the back of the net with 20 minutes left to play in the game, his score at that stage leaving Tom Mullally’s side nine points to the good before Chris Egan plucked a goal back for Down less than five minutes later.
Nine of Whelan’s 12 points came from dead balls with James Doyle and Jon Nolan chipping in with three points apiece. Neither side were at full strength but the performances from those on the field and coming off the bench will have to please the Carlow management team of Tom Mullally, Christy Kealy and Pat Murphy, giving another valuable chance to see some of the young talent coming through the ranks for the county.
Carlow welcome Meath to Netwatch Cullen Park in their fourth and final game as they get a bye on the closing weekend. There will be no Kehoe Cup final this year, the winner instead decided by the team with most points or best scoring difference if two sides finish level next weekend.
The first real test comes on Saturday 4 February with Kildare coming to town to open the Allianz National Hurling League, that game with a 2pm throw-in.
Speaking after the final whistle, Carlow GAA chair Jim Bolger was happy with win.
“Very happy, very good performance from a very young team so we’re encouraged by it (the game)”, Bolger told Tommy Murphy after the game.
“Hopefully it goes well for the future. They took some lovely scores. Down started well in both halves but our lads showed character and responsed and really were very balanced in their performance from start to finish. It’s early days but we’re encouraged by the performances all around.”
Byrne for Leinster
Carlow GAA sends Congratulations to Eddie Byrne Mt. Leinster Rngs who was elected Treasurer of Comhairle Laighean GAA on Saturday at Leinster GAA Convention in Wexford. Eddie is the third Carlow man to hold the post. First was John Byrne Kildavin-Clonegal, followed by Jim Bolger of Clonmore, now chair of Carlow GAA.
Naomh Eoin are champions again
On Friday evening Naomh Eoin and Michael Davitts played in the 2022 Stryve Under 20 football ‘B’ final which Naomh Eoin won by 1-9 to 1-6.
Additional reporting Tommy Murphy. Team photograph Pat Ahern.
