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Carlow GAA thread

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I was fearful of a flat performance today and so it came to pass although to be honest I didn't expect we'd be quite as poor as we were today. Some shocking misses, especially goal chances spurned which is a real ongoing problem. Saying that even if we took our chances I done think we'd have beaten Wicklow who were just a lot hungrier than us today, which doesn't surprise me either after the way their last league game went. They also had their homework done on us and knew they had to shore up the space for Mikey to exploit which they blocked up successfully by getting bodies into the centre of defence. They also had that same area blocked up with bodies which prevented Colm H doing his trade mark drop of the shoulder and acceleration into space. They restricted our ability to set up two pointers also which limited Conor Doyle's influence and after that we were floundering. For me we should have moved Mikey out of that position and possibly put him back into the half back line so he could do damage to them coming out of defence rather than in the forwards. Also we needed choo choo to be brought in as we were crying out for some one to break tackles and burst through that wall of players Wicklow assembled to stop Mikey and Hulton. I can only assume he was injured otherwise I cannot understand how he wasn't brought in.

Anyway, the main thing for this season is we're up in Div 3 next year and now we have a month to recharge and prepare for the Tailteann Cup. For the same reason Wicklow got a bounce today hopefully we'll be wounded after that performance today and will come back stronger for TC. Inconsistency is the hallmark of teams at our level. One week we put in a great performance and look like we've cracked it and look ready to step up, then the next game we fall flat. Leitrim were simply atrocious in their last league game against us and today went out and beat Sligo which looked impossible when we saw them.

Onion Breath (Carlow) - Posts: 1818 - 12/04/2026 19:46:20    2665984

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Replying To Onion Breath:  "I was fearful of a flat performance today and so it came to pass although to be honest I didn't expect we'd be quite as poor as we were today. Some shocking misses, especially goal chances spurned which is a real ongoing problem. Saying that even if we took our chances I done think we'd have beaten Wicklow who were just a lot hungrier than us today, which doesn't surprise me either after the way their last league game went. They also had their homework done on us and knew they had to shore up the space for Mikey to exploit which they blocked up successfully by getting bodies into the centre of defence. They also had that same area blocked up with bodies which prevented Colm H doing his trade mark drop of the shoulder and acceleration into space. They restricted our ability to set up two pointers also which limited Conor Doyle's influence and after that we were floundering. For me we should have moved Mikey out of that position and possibly put him back into the half back line so he could do damage to them coming out of defence rather than in the forwards. Also we needed choo choo to be brought in as we were crying out for some one to break tackles and burst through that wall of players Wicklow assembled to stop Mikey and Hulton. I can only assume he was injured otherwise I cannot understand how he wasn't brought in.

Anyway, the main thing for this season is we're up in Div 3 next year and now we have a month to recharge and prepare for the Tailteann Cup. For the same reason Wicklow got a bounce today hopefully we'll be wounded after that performance today and will come back stronger for TC. Inconsistency is the hallmark of teams at our level. One week we put in a great performance and look like we've cracked it and look ready to step up, then the next game we fall flat. Leitrim were simply atrocious in their last league game against us and today went out and beat Sligo which looked impossible when we saw them."
I don't understand why Sean Murphy hasn't been getting game time. If it's over concerns about discipline, well, some others were hardly shining lights in that area today.

Hopefully he'll stick with the panel and gets a chance in the Tailteann.

Personally, I don't think the Carlow management will be too upset over losing today. The target is the Tailteann, not Leinster.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 1081 - 12/04/2026 21:33:03    2666021

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Replying To Onion Breath:  "I was fearful of a flat performance today and so it came to pass although to be honest I didn't expect we'd be quite as poor as we were today. Some shocking misses, especially goal chances spurned which is a real ongoing problem. Saying that even if we took our chances I done think we'd have beaten Wicklow who were just a lot hungrier than us today, which doesn't surprise me either after the way their last league game went. They also had their homework done on us and knew they had to shore up the space for Mikey to exploit which they blocked up successfully by getting bodies into the centre of defence. They also had that same area blocked up with bodies which prevented Colm H doing his trade mark drop of the shoulder and acceleration into space. They restricted our ability to set up two pointers also which limited Conor Doyle's influence and after that we were floundering. For me we should have moved Mikey out of that position and possibly put him back into the half back line so he could do damage to them coming out of defence rather than in the forwards. Also we needed choo choo to be brought in as we were crying out for some one to break tackles and burst through that wall of players Wicklow assembled to stop Mikey and Hulton. I can only assume he was injured otherwise I cannot understand how he wasn't brought in.

Anyway, the main thing for this season is we're up in Div 3 next year and now we have a month to recharge and prepare for the Tailteann Cup. For the same reason Wicklow got a bounce today hopefully we'll be wounded after that performance today and will come back stronger for TC. Inconsistency is the hallmark of teams at our level. One week we put in a great performance and look like we've cracked it and look ready to step up, then the next game we fall flat. Leitrim were simply atrocious in their last league game against us and today went out and beat Sligo which looked impossible when we saw them."
Our record in Leinster over last 3 years is… 2026 lost first rd to Wicklow by 11pt, 2025 lost first rd to Meath by 14pt, 2024 lost first rd to Wexford by 23pt.
Some years ago Turlough went on national TV demanding our right to play in the Leinster championship. Surely at this stage that's pointless as based on the application today and preparation and our recent results and based on the previous comments here it is no longer our priority. There's no point in entering a championship if we do not target it to try produce our best and see where we sit against the best the opposition has to offer. Championship is sacred in GAA whether it be club or inter county level, that's where you Are truly judged and ranked.
Is it time to bring in a Graded championship like the hurling or as similar to club competitions, 12 senior, 12 inter, 10 junior which could include carlow, Longford, Waterford, London , New York, Kilkenny, possibly Leitrim, Antrim, Sligo, Tipperary or one of the other exile teams like Barcelona (if highest ranked). At least have a chance to win a championship. Des Cahill suggested this on rte radio sport the day after our league success after playing Joe Murphy's interview from croke park.
There can be no argument for us to be included in the Leinster championship at this stage.

Carlowtothecore1 (Carlow) - Posts: 124 - 12/04/2026 22:02:59    2666034

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My God we were so poor. I was afraid of this game all week as Wicklow had nothing to lose. I pointed out all league about how poor we were at taking goal chances... guess what we were terrible again today. If we had even gone for points intead of trying the goal chances we would have been in that game. The celebrations went on too long if you ask me & we got carried away. Wicklow are not a good side & we made them look unbeatable. Div 4 teams are so unpredictable as look at Leiteim beating Silgo today...If we played Wicklow next week we could win by 10

carlo (Carlow) - Posts: 326 - 12/04/2026 22:34:42    2666046

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Replying To Carlowtothecore1:  "Our record in Leinster over last 3 years is… 2026 lost first rd to Wicklow by 11pt, 2025 lost first rd to Meath by 14pt, 2024 lost first rd to Wexford by 23pt.
Some years ago Turlough went on national TV demanding our right to play in the Leinster championship. Surely at this stage that's pointless as based on the application today and preparation and our recent results and based on the previous comments here it is no longer our priority. There's no point in entering a championship if we do not target it to try produce our best and see where we sit against the best the opposition has to offer. Championship is sacred in GAA whether it be club or inter county level, that's where you Are truly judged and ranked.
Is it time to bring in a Graded championship like the hurling or as similar to club competitions, 12 senior, 12 inter, 10 junior which could include carlow, Longford, Waterford, London , New York, Kilkenny, possibly Leitrim, Antrim, Sligo, Tipperary or one of the other exile teams like Barcelona (if highest ranked). At least have a chance to win a championship. Des Cahill suggested this on rte radio sport the day after our league success after playing Joe Murphy's interview from croke park.
There can be no argument for us to be included in the Leinster championship at this stage."
You've entirely missed the point. Leinster is no longer 'the championship.'

The GAA have made the provincials irrelevant because they now barely feed into the actual championships

Ask yourself a simple question: would you rather have beaten Wicklow today, or would you rather beat them in 5 weeks time in the Tailteann (if we drew them)?

The 'day out' era is over.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 1081 - 13/04/2026 01:04:41    2666065

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Very poor performance yesterday. Clearly the Div 4 impact was at the root of this. Maybe the team will redeem themselves in the Tailteann, but perhaps we lack the experience, focus and depth to perform in both the league and championship? We need to get to the stage where we can put back to back performances together.

Bainisteoir (National) - Posts: 610 - 13/04/2026 07:57:08    2666070

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Its unbelievable how a lot of posters here are brushing over that appalling performance yesterday. We were playing a Wicklow ( Not Dublin or Meath) and were played off the field at home. The hype train must of got to the group and when you see the beating that Longford got at home yesterday, the Div 4 win has to be put in perspective. Yes, it was great to finally get silverware but yesterday was a game that we should be winning and having a crack at the Dubs, we wont get chances like this very often.
Also, the over the top comments by the manager about not needing any outside help (not true by the way, our head coach is from Limerick) came back to bite as McConville said in his reaction afterwards that it was a motivating factor for him.

Dualclub1 (Carlow) - Posts: 301 - 13/04/2026 08:28:08    2666073

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Replying To Dualclub1:  "Its unbelievable how a lot of posters here are brushing over that appalling performance yesterday. We were playing a Wicklow ( Not Dublin or Meath) and were played off the field at home. The hype train must of got to the group and when you see the beating that Longford got at home yesterday, the Div 4 win has to be put in perspective. Yes, it was great to finally get silverware but yesterday was a game that we should be winning and having a crack at the Dubs, we wont get chances like this very often.
Also, the over the top comments by the manager about not needing any outside help (not true by the way, our head coach is from Limerick) came back to bite as McConville said in his reaction afterwards that it was a motivating factor for him."
Don't be minding him and his motivation. He has a hundred thousand good reasons to take issue with what Joe said. His interests a red not the betterment of football in Wicklow.

Onion Breath (Carlow) - Posts: 1818 - 13/04/2026 10:48:28    2666099

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Replying To CARPS:  "You've entirely missed the point. Leinster is no longer 'the championship.'

The GAA have made the provincials irrelevant because they now barely feed into the actual championships

Ask yourself a simple question: would you rather have beaten Wicklow today, or would you rather beat them in 5 weeks time in the Tailteann (if we drew them)?

The 'day out' era is over."
Not missing the point at all. We're both on the same page here from what I'm reading in your post. We seem to both agree we shouldn't be fielding in Leinster, pointless exercise. But should be straight into a competition that suits our level, rather than dragging the season out.. allowing more times for our club championship, like the McDonagh does. Winning The Tailteann isn't a realistic goal as we're not at the level of top 6/8 teams in it so there's a need for another level to give us a chance, likewise Waterford, Kilkenny, London, Leitrim, Longford, New York etc.. give us a realistic chance of more days in Croker...

Carlowtothecore1 (Carlow) - Posts: 124 - 13/04/2026 11:06:58    2666102

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Replying To Carlowtothecore1:  "Not missing the point at all. We're both on the same page here from what I'm reading in your post. We seem to both agree we shouldn't be fielding in Leinster, pointless exercise. But should be straight into a competition that suits our level, rather than dragging the season out.. allowing more times for our club championship, like the McDonagh does. Winning The Tailteann isn't a realistic goal as we're not at the level of top 6/8 teams in it so there's a need for another level to give us a chance, likewise Waterford, Kilkenny, London, Leitrim, Longford, New York etc.. give us a realistic chance of more days in Croker..."
Bit of a simplistic view of the results the last three years. Wexford one was bad yesterday but last year against meath we had a manager leave the squad the week before, players and management left the panel and it was a bare bones. Beat Fermanagh in the tailteann, drew with Wexford and bad loss to Longford giving us a tough match against Sligo away. This year the game came a week or two too early given the drop off from the league final. It wasn't just not prioritising, there was a lot to go again after it but the manner of the performance is a worry.

People who say a third competition is good don't have a clue what it's like being from a weaker county. They point at the Joe Mc and say it's good but it's seen as a nuisance because the finalists get a match in the prelim quarters so that's scrapped. It's run off fast then same time as the Leinster/Munster championship and gets little to zero screen time on the Tele. They don't even bother with the Christy ring/Nicky rackard/lory meagher. Without googling 99% people won't be able to tell you who won each one last year.

Having a third tier competition with some counties who don't give a toss about football and two overseas teams would be a disaster and would expect some players to not bothering to tog. People expressing an interest in making these competitions don't come from Carlow/Leitrim/Longford etc.

CarlowJuniorB (Clare) - Posts: 143 - 13/04/2026 12:31:28    2666129

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Replying To Carlowtothecore1:  "Not missing the point at all. We're both on the same page here from what I'm reading in your post. We seem to both agree we shouldn't be fielding in Leinster, pointless exercise. But should be straight into a competition that suits our level, rather than dragging the season out.. allowing more times for our club championship, like the McDonagh does. Winning The Tailteann isn't a realistic goal as we're not at the level of top 6/8 teams in it so there's a need for another level to give us a chance, likewise Waterford, Kilkenny, London, Leitrim, Longford, New York etc.. give us a realistic chance of more days in Croker..."
What are you talking about?

Winning the Tailteann is more realistic than winning Leinster.

There are no Division One or Two teams in the Tailteann.

If you think we have zero chance of ever winning a Tailteann, then what's the point in even turning up for next years league in Division Three.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 1081 - 13/04/2026 12:58:52    2666141

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Replying To CarlowJuniorB:  "Bit of a simplistic view of the results the last three years. Wexford one was bad yesterday but last year against meath we had a manager leave the squad the week before, players and management left the panel and it was a bare bones. Beat Fermanagh in the tailteann, drew with Wexford and bad loss to Longford giving us a tough match against Sligo away. This year the game came a week or two too early given the drop off from the league final. It wasn't just not prioritising, there was a lot to go again after it but the manner of the performance is a worry.

People who say a third competition is good don't have a clue what it's like being from a weaker county. They point at the Joe Mc and say it's good but it's seen as a nuisance because the finalists get a match in the prelim quarters so that's scrapped. It's run off fast then same time as the Leinster/Munster championship and gets little to zero screen time on the Tele. They don't even bother with the Christy ring/Nicky rackard/lory meagher. Without googling 99% people won't be able to tell you who won each one last year.

Having a third tier competition with some counties who don't give a toss about football and two overseas teams would be a disaster and would expect some players to not bothering to tog. People expressing an interest in making these competitions don't come from Carlow/Leitrim/Longford etc."
100%.

And, btw, somebody pointed out to me last night that since the calendar shift, league winners have a very poor record in the provincials. Laois, for example, were easily beaten by Offaly after they won Division Four two years ago.

The people overreacting to yesterday's loss obviously never played football at any serious level and they don't understand the game. It's not linear. There will be ups and downs and teams at our level won't consistently perform. This happens even in professional sports like English soccer.

As I said earlier, we could meet Wicklow again in 4 weeks time and beat them.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 1081 - 13/04/2026 13:06:53    2666145

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We havent won a championship match since the famous win over Kildare in 2018.

This was a great oppertunity to break that stat as it was our first champuonship outing at home since Tyrone in the same year.

That said, id rather have Carlow compete in top level rather than playing in a 2nd/3rd tier mock up instead, thats what the Tailteann Cup is for.

Carlowrising (Carlow) - Posts: 207 - 13/04/2026 13:11:21    2666150

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Replying To Carlowrising:  "We havent won a championship match since the famous win over Kildare in 2018.

This was a great oppertunity to break that stat as it was our first champuonship outing at home since Tyrone in the same year.

That said, id rather have Carlow compete in top level rather than playing in a 2nd/3rd tier mock up instead, thats what the Tailteann Cup is for."
But we're not competing in it, just fulfilling a fixture for past three years and taking hammerings from everyone. League football is league football, championship is the real test of ability and progress.

Carlowtothecore1 (Carlow) - Posts: 124 - 13/04/2026 13:54:32    2666158

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Replying To Carlowrising:  "We havent won a championship match since the famous win over Kildare in 2018.

This was a great oppertunity to break that stat as it was our first champuonship outing at home since Tyrone in the same year.

That said, id rather have Carlow compete in top level rather than playing in a 2nd/3rd tier mock up instead, thats what the Tailteann Cup is for."
We have won championship matches since 2018!! All in TC not Leinster but they are championship matches. Off the top of my head we've beaten Fermanagh, Wicklow, Longford, New York and Tipp in recent years in championship matches.

Agree with previous posters the idea of a third tier championship is ridiculous. If limerick can reach the final of the TC like they did last year then so can Carlow.

Onion Breath (Carlow) - Posts: 1818 - 13/04/2026 13:56:58    2666159

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Replying To CARPS:  "What are you talking about?

Winning the Tailteann is more realistic than winning Leinster.

There are no Division One or Two teams in the Tailteann.

If you think we have zero chance of ever winning a Tailteann, then what's the point in even turning up for next years league in Division Three."
Well it's a very little chance. Judging our potential based on playing teams in league counts for nothing in championship. Take Offaly for example, down 10-12 starters up to now but expect to have them back over coming weeks, they're league form is irrelevant, same with most, we went full tilt to win league. Beat Wicklow etc who were vastly better yesterday than on 2nd week in February.
Our young players want to see carlow with a cup, going around schools / camps etc. that's how to promote the game best.. won't get that in current structures… be it junior or intermediate they don't care..
I'm barely old enough to remember carlow holding great Eire og players back from playing Leinster senior championship to try win a Leinster junior in the 90s.. why?? To get some level of championship success..

Carlowtothecore1 (Carlow) - Posts: 124 - 13/04/2026 14:04:38    2666161

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Replying To Onion Breath:  "We have won championship matches since 2018!! All in TC not Leinster but they are championship matches. Off the top of my head we've beaten Fermanagh, Wicklow, Longford, New York and Tipp in recent years in championship matches.

Agree with previous posters the idea of a third tier championship is ridiculous. If limerick can reach the final of the TC like they did last year then so can Carlow."
I'm not knocking any of our wins in the Tailteann Cup however let's not be deluded, the Tailteann Cup is a second tier competition and certainly not Championship (The highest standard of competition in Gaa).

The Tailteann is on a par with the Joe Mac in Hurling except the Joe Mac is a more difficult tournament to get wins in because there are 2 tiers below to filter out sides of lesser ability. The Tailteann Cup is the All Ireland B or Tommy Murphy Cup rehashed therefore winning TC games do not equate to a Championship win. This is especially true for the TC group games which never had a Championship feel.

Carlowrising (Carlow) - Posts: 207 - 13/04/2026 15:54:39    2666196

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Replying To Carlowrising:  "I'm not knocking any of our wins in the Tailteann Cup however let's not be deluded, the Tailteann Cup is a second tier competition and certainly not Championship (The highest standard of competition in Gaa).

The Tailteann is on a par with the Joe Mac in Hurling except the Joe Mac is a more difficult tournament to get wins in because there are 2 tiers below to filter out sides of lesser ability. The Tailteann Cup is the All Ireland B or Tommy Murphy Cup rehashed therefore winning TC games do not equate to a Championship win. This is especially true for the TC group games which never had a Championship feel."
Pardon me for the intrusion, but I have been following this thread with interest because I believe that we are on a broadly similar path in our endeavours to improve our counties standards and face many of the same obstacles and problems. My point, for what it's worth , is, does winning the Tailteann Cup not qualify you for the following years all
Ireland series , ie, the last 16 ??

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2215 - 13/04/2026 16:25:22    2666209

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