Dublin 2-17
Carlow 1-13
By Tommy Murphy
In the Walsh Cup Carlow and Dublin were the first two teams in action at inter county level at Parnell Park.
Dublin raced in to an early lead before Dennis Murphy opened Carlow’s account in the ninth minute. Then Eddie Byrne delivered a long ball inch perfect for Chris Nolan to shoot Carlow’s goal and tie the game Carlow 1-2 Dublin 0-5 at the end of the first quarter.
After that a long range point from John Michael Nolan gave Carlow the lead.
Four minutes later Dublin regained the lead with a Cian O’Sullivan goal and had moved four points clear 1-10 to 1-6 at the break.
Even though Dublin moved six points clear midway through the last period, Carlow battled back and had reduced the lead to two points with five minutes remaining and the home side were lucky to get a stick to a screaming shot from Eddie Byrne to deflect out for a ‘65.
A draw or a win for Carlow looked on for a fleeting moment, however Dublin capitalised on a Carlow error as Alex Quinn shot their second goal as time ran out. Both sides also finished with 14 men as Jack Kavanagh and Liam Rushe were dismissed.
This was a gusty performance from the Carlow men and they will improve more for their clash with Wexford on Sunday week in Netwatch Cullen Park
