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.”
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Refreshing to hear someone so passionate. Unfortunately the odds are against them. But they deserve to dream of beating dublin and yes it’s unlikely but all those carlow lads will give it 100%. I wish them luck
Eventually an A and B championship has to happen, the level between the top counties and the weaker ones Is huge and unfortunately for carlow they will be victims to a hammering which nobody wants to see or pay money to watch.
@kkloseconair: I’ve been an advocate of the A and B championship for the last few years after seeing the success which our hurlers have had in the Christy Ring. But honestly this year has felt different with the footballers. Their league was solid and although they missed out on promotion, there was great confidence going into the Wexford game. And the buzz since has been brilliant. This weekend has people excited and interested in Carlow GAA for the first time in a long time. Portlaoise will be full of Carlow kids watching their own clubmen go up against All Stars. Yes they will more than likely lose but it will be a great day for all. Days like Saturday might be few and far between for us but they certainly wont come in a B championship.