Carlow captain John Murphy says the team's successful league campaign proves that last summer was no flash in the pan from the Barrowsiders.

Turlough O'Brien's men were the surprise package in last year's championship, dumping Wexford out of Leinster before holding their own against Dublin for long stages and running Monaghan close in the qualifiers.

Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, Murphy stated that the team's promotion from Division 4 during the spring further boosted confidence in their preparations for this Sunday's championship opener against Louth in Portlaoise.

"The most promising thing that we took from the league is that last year wasn't just a flash in the pan. We were able to bring that consistency into the league," said Murphy.

"In previous leagues, we were able to beat some good teams but then we'd let ourselves down. We'd win three or four games but then we'd lose two. We were finishing third and fourth in the league over the last few seasons. It was so pleasing to play in the league and get promoted."

Carlow have lost midfield star Brendan Murphy to the US since the league's conclusion and while his absence during the campaign will be a blow, the skipper feels the group are better equipped to cope without him compared to previous summers.

"There's no point in denying that it is a disappointment," said Murphy. "But if he'd gone two or three years ago, he'd have been a massive loss. I don't think he's as big a loss to the team the way we're set up and the way other players are stepping forward.

"It probably isn't as big a loss as it would have been in the prior years - but, still a big loss." 

Tweet

Most Read Stories