Carlow Senior Hurlers go in search of their second consecutive win on Sunday when they take on Antrim at 2pm in Netwatch Cullen Park.
Colm Bonnar’s side got of to a solid if not spectacular start last week with a two point over Westmeath in a game that lacked any real quality.
Antrim have not been as forceful in recent years than they would have been at the start of the decade, but nevertheless its always a closely fought battle with Carlow.
Antrim beat London by seven points last week, and have a stronger team this year.
Goalkeeper Chris O’Connell would have several All Stars to his name if he was in Kilkenny or Tipperary, while Neil McManus is also a hurler of genuine quality.
We have already said that Carlow are also significantly stronger this year in terms of the depth of the panel.
It’s speculated that Marty Kavanagh will be rested for this clash with the Fitzgibbon Cup Semi final coming up with Seamus Murphy, Diarmuid Byrne and Denis Murphy supposedly coming in to the team.
Those three are serious options to be able to avail of from the start and this echo’s how strong the panel is.
Antrim are going to provide a tougher test this time out than they would have had in recent years and Carlow can’t afford to be complacent here.
I’m going to give Carlow a hesitant vote here.
We have Full Live Commentary of the game at 2pm on our Carlow frequency on Sunday with thanks to Rea’s Department Store, Fairgreen, Bagenalstown, Co.Carlow
