Carlow Senior Hurling manager Colm Bonnar says the players need more control in terms of how they use the hurley.
Carlow had 3 players sent-off in last Saturday’s defeat to Antrim, and speaking to KCLR ahead of this Saturday’s game at home to Meath, Colm says referees are very strict as to how they lay down the law.
“I remember Pat Horgan was sent-off in a game there for kind of batting down the ball and everyone thought it was very harsh and Diarmuids (Byrne) was something similar I would say, but referees are clamping down on high tackles.
“They are clamping down on anyone who kind of grabs the helmet, they are clamping down on any wayward swing of a hurley in or around the head so players know that going out and we just have to have a bit more control in terms of doing that.
“I suppose the Senior referees who question the Division One of the Championship, they probably have more experience than the McDonagh Cup referees and I suppose it’s a learning curve for them as well,” he said.
Meanwhile Meath Senior Hurling manager Nick Fitzgerald says that Carlow will view tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) Joe McDonagh Cup as a game to get their competition prospects back on track.
Speaking to KCLR, Nick says that Carlow will feel they operate at a higher standard than the Joe McDonagh Cup.
“Carlow will be viewing this game on Saturday as a chance to get back on the winning trail.
“Carlow have won the 2A League, they are heading up to 1B so Carlow certainly don’t want to be staying in the Joe McDonagh.
“Carlow will be viewing Saturday as another chance to get back on the winning straight and kick-on and try and get into a final because the way results are going, who knows what will happen,” he said.