IT’S 29 YEARS since Carlow last played Dublin in the Leinster senior football championship.
Carlow players celebrate their win over Wexford. Tommy Dickson / INPHO
Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO
That gap will come to an end on Saturday evening, when they face the daunting challenge of taking on a side that have claimed four All-Ireland titles over the past six seasons.
Dublin’s dominance is more pronounced in Leinster with 11 final victories in the past 12 years and it all contributes to the considerable task facing Carlow.
Advertisement
But Carlow boss Turlough O’Brien passionately objects to that line of thinking.
He believes too many counties in the province are over-awed by Dublin, with ‘traditionally strong powerhouses’ having ‘rolled over’ in recent years.
And he has also branded ‘a load of nonsense’, pundits wondering why teams like Carlow would give the commitment required at inter-county level.
After seeing off Wexford at the first round stage, O’Brien has lavished praise on Jim Gavin’s side ahead of their meeting at O’Moore Park.
He doesn’t agree that their success is solely down to resources and has paid tribute to their management, their scouting of opponents and the attitude of the players in the Dublin squad.
“Their players are very grounded, really they’re a great model to follow.”
“For all the success they’ve had, I don’t think they’ve bought into the hype at all.”
'A lot of counties in Leinster are guilty of throwing in the towel before the championship has started'
IT’S 29 YEARS since Carlow last played Dublin in the Leinster senior football championship.
That gap will come to an end on Saturday evening, when they face the daunting challenge of taking on a side that have claimed four All-Ireland titles over the past six seasons.
Dublin’s dominance is more pronounced in Leinster with 11 final victories in the past 12 years and it all contributes to the considerable task facing Carlow.
But Carlow boss Turlough O’Brien passionately objects to that line of thinking.
He believes too many counties in the province are over-awed by Dublin, with ‘traditionally strong powerhouses’ having ‘rolled over’ in recent years.
And he has also branded ‘a load of nonsense’, pundits wondering why teams like Carlow would give the commitment required at inter-county level.
After seeing off Wexford at the first round stage, O’Brien has lavished praise on Jim Gavin’s side ahead of their meeting at O’Moore Park.
He doesn’t agree that their success is solely down to resources and has paid tribute to their management, their scouting of opponents and the attitude of the players in the Dublin squad.
“Their players are very grounded, really they’re a great model to follow.”
“For all the success they’ve had, I don’t think they’ve bought into the hype at all.”
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Westmeath seal comeback over Laois in extra-time thriller, while Wexford and Carlow advance
Eddie Brennan relieved as Kilkenny U21s defeat Dublin to atone for last year’s shock loss
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Leinster SFC Facing The Dubs Gaelic Football Carlow Turlough O'Brien