Carlow strength and conditioning coach Gerry Fitzpatrick has played down his role in the county's surprise challenge for promotion from Division 2 of the NHL.

A lecturer in Sports Psychology at Waterford IT, Fitzpatrick held a similar position with the Waterford hurlers from 2004 to '09 and is also a former coach of the Irish senior basketball team.

But speaking to the Carlow Nationalist, he attributed the Barrowsiders' improvement to the commitment and dedication of the players.

"It is more of what the players have done. They have bought into the idea of preparing for longer and harder than what they have done in the past," he said.

"As a group, they have bought into the idea and are doing it very well. The credit is to them as it is an extra two nights a week to get to the gym and do the work.

"It is great to see them win convincingly against teams in the division and getting performances against Wexford and Clare. At least at this time of the year, they are at that level." Tweet

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