Football clubs in Carlow are up in arms over the county board's decision to suspend the senior and intermediate championships during the Tommy Murphy Cup. Carlow manager Paul Bealin had requested that club matches be put on hold during the period that the Tommy Murphy Cup will be played and his plea was granted by the county board much to the angst of clubs in the county. Following the heavy defeat to Meath and the fact that they are playing in Division 4 next year, Carlow are straight into the Tommy Murphy Cup and although this championship has come in for much criticism, Bealin is determined to put in a huge effort. Already, the squad are training on Tuesday mornings at 6am and then on Friday and Sunday evenings. Bealin believes that with the proper preparation that Carlow have a great chance of winning the competition. "It is important to look at the Tommy Murphy Cup in a positive way," said Bealin. "Would the lads give the commitment? If we train properly and there are no half hearted efforts we will do well in the competition. We really need to get a balance with the clubs and players so that's why I said I would be meeting with the players." However, not all are happy with Bealin's plans as many clubs have stressed that it is unfair that there will be no club matches for a five or six-week period. Tweet

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