We’ve Coady of honour in Carlow after Colm arrival

RICHARD COADY paid tribute to the influence of Colm Bonnar as the Carlow hurlers look to take their biggest step yet at Croke Park.

Former Tipp star Bonnar (below), who spent three and a half years in the Wexford hot-seat, took charge of Carlow almost two years ago.

Mount Leinster stalwart Coady, 30, has seen good and bad days with his county, but the real upturn has been since Bonnar arrived in late 2016.

This year in particular has been one to remember, with promotion to Division 1B achieved after years of near-misses, and another important clash with Westmeath awaits – the fourth of the year – with the inaugural Joe Mcdonagh Cup on the line.

“Colm set out his stall a couple of years ago in terms of what he wanted from the players, and everyone bought into it,” said Coady, who is joint captain along with Diarmuid Byrne. “I’m not going to say past managers weren’t up to scratch but Colm is on another level.

“His man-management is excellent, he’s been around the block and knows what’s required. His set-up is second to none.

“We’re very lucky to have him and hopefully we’ll hold to him for as long as we can into the future because with Colm at the helm, only good things can happen to Carlow. Getting more success would help that.

“Colm is like one of our own at this stage, he’s played in All-ireland finals and knows what’s required. He’s a genuinely nice guy and everyone gets on with him. He’s an adopted Carlow man at this stage.”

Coady believes Carlow will deserve their place in the All-ireland preliminary quarter-finals. The winner tomorrow will face Limerick, the loser goes up against Wexford.

“Every team wants their day out in the sun against a top Liam Maccarthy team, but to do that you have to progress through the levels,” he said.

“There’s no point in going out and being blown out of the water, you have to be ready for that type of game. The tiered system is good that way. If you’re good enough to win one of the tiers and progress, so be it.”

He’s an adopted Carlow man at this stage