The Carlow Senior hurlers are eager to get “back on the horse” tomorrow after a disappointing loss to The Kingdom.
Selector with the Dolmen County, Pat Murphy says the squad don’t have any answers as to why their performance against Kerry was so flat.
Flat Performance
“We started off the Joe McDonagh with a really good performance where everything was right and everything was really good but that was followed up then by last weekend against Kerry and a very very poor performance where none of that was present”.
“You couldn’t say there was character or that the attitude was good. Everything went from bad to worse so really disappointing result for everyone that no one can really explain”.
Restoring Pride
Despite the humiliation of a 15 point deficit between the sides at full time last weekend, Tom Mullaly’s men are champing at the bit to get back out there.
“It left everyone wanting to get back on the horse again”.
“It’s great that the players want to get back. It’s a chance for redemption and to put things right but it’s a big opposition in Antrim”.
Kinpins of The Joe McDonagh Cup
The Glensmen are the kingpins of the Joe McDonagh Cup and Murphy is under no illusions as to the challenge that awaits them.
“They’re the pace setters in the Joe McDonagh. They’ve been hurling at a higher level than Carlow have, hurling at Division 1. They had a really comprehensive win over Down last weekend”.
“We can’t underestimate that and we can’t be naive so we have to face reality”.
Murphy says the wheels must be in motion to nab another 2 points this weekend.
“For us to put in a good performance, we’ll have to dig deep and show character and put in a massive effort and hopefully everyone is up for that challenge”.
Overcoming Adversity
Carlow are have been unfortunate with injuries over the last number of weeks. Significantly, they lost Jack Kavanagh 6 minutes into the clash with Kerry last weekend due to a strained hamstring.
“Look all those things are the same in every squad. All those things probably even out in the end”.
“It’s like refereeing in a match. Some things go for you, some go against you”.
“It’s difficult but those are the challenges for every single team in any Division and you have to role with the punches as they say”.
Underdogs
Carlow will be underdogs tomorrow but Murphy says that tag might just suit them.
“Throughout the country, I don’t think anyone is giving us the slightest chance tomorrow. Maybe that’s a good thing in a way and maybe we can get into the trenches and put up a great fight and see where that takes us”.
