(Carlow 2-8, Dublin 1-13).
Normally, manager Tommy Lyons would have used a game like this one Sunday at Dr. Cullen Park to experiment with new players and new combinations, but he chose to select his strongest lineup, so he can hardly put the result down to early-season blues.
Not surprisingly, the usually garrulous Lyons wasn’t prepared to share his wisdom with the media on this occasion. However, selector Paul Caffrey stepped up to the plate. “We put ourselves in a great position, but it was a poor second-half performance, Caffrey said. “So it’s back to reality again and we must face the music for the next few weeks before the start of the league.”
Ahead by eight points at the interval, it seemed as if Dublin were on course for a big win, but they were struck by an appalling lethargy from then on. Two goals from Simon Rea and Brian Carbery as well as six points, including four frees, from Brian Kelly made the difference for the home team as their opponents wilted.
Following that impressive opening half that yielded 11 points with Senan Connell and Jason Sherlock both kicking three from play, Dublin could manage only two more scores after the break.
“This win means an awful lot to us,” Carlow manager Mick Condon said. “I think we can build from here, we’ve introduced a few more players and I think this win will bring them all on.”
WESTMEATH 1-12, KILDARE 1-4
Carlow’s opponents in the semifinal, Westmeath, had a comfortable 1-12 to 1-4 victory over Kildare at Cusack Park. On a roll following Paidi