Carlow sharp-shooter Chris Nolan was “disappointed” with the lack of publicity given to the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year compared to that of the All-Stars.
Nolan, who starred for Carlow throughout 2020, resulting in his inclusion in the Joe McDonagh Cup Team of the Year, feels that there is a lack of coverage given to the second-tier competition by media outlets.
“I don’t think there’s as much coverage as there should be for the Joe McDonagh Cup teams to be honest.
“We are going to use that as motivation to get to the first tier and they’ll have no choice but to talk about Carlow hurling,” said Nolan.
The Mount Leinster Rangers forward believes that the appointment of Tom Mullally as the new Carlow manager will be beneficial for the side as they look to navigate a promotion push in Division 2 of the league as well as challenging in the Joe McDonagh Cup.
“It’s very exciting times ahead. We’re privileged to have a man with the knowledge of Tom Mullally at the helm. His knowledge is second to none and I really feel that there are good times ahead for Carlow hurling.”
Nolan also spoke about what the team is doing in an effort to maintain their fitness levels ahead of a potential intercounty campaign later in the year.
“All of us are on programmes and we’re training away ourselves for when we’re allowed back,” revealed Nolan.
Despite putting in formidable performances for his county throughout the course of last year, the Mount Leinster Rangers clubman was disappointed by the manner of Colm Bonnar’s exit as manager of the side.
He said: “We were very unlucky last year with Carlow. We were a puck of the ball away from making the Joe McDonagh Cup final against Kerry so it wasn’t all negative because we were close, but it was disappointing.”
Nolan, who is one of a number of Mount Leinster Rangers players who are members of the intercounty panel, agreed the general consensus that 2020 was a far more enjoyable year for himself as an intercounty player due to separation of the club and intercounty season.
“We got a good run at the club and we got to train with them more than we ever had as intercounty players, so I think it worked really well.”
Nolan was blunt when asked about Carlow’s objectives for 2021.
“The goal this year is to promote from Division 2 and to win the Joe McDonagh Cup. Anything less than that and we wouldn’t be happy.”