Snow delay could stop Carlow in their tracks

WE appreciate it was quite literally the perfect storm that forced the GAA’s hand into postponing the Allianz FL Division 4 final by a week, but it is a decision that could still cost Carlow dearly.

In a three-horse race – Laois and Antrim the others – the momentum of their perfect start has taken Carlow to the brink of promotion to the third tier – a prize which has eluded them since the 2008 League restructuring.

But the toughest yards have still to be travelled, with the big three still to meet.

Storm Emma put last week’s clash between Laois and Antrim in cold storage and that game will now be played the week after Carlow conclude their programme.

Best practice demands that the final round of any league should see all teams cross the line simultaneously, but the GAA did not have the option of postponing the entire final round because all travelling teams to London had pre-booked.

That will be cold comfort for Carlow if their promotion bid is left riding on the outcome of that Laois-Antrim game. That is a possibility and if Laois win their next two games – today’s clash with London and then Carlow – they will have nothing to play for against Antrim. And with the final a week later, the temptation for John Sugrue (below) to play a weakened team would be overwhelming. That could see Carlow edged out, while if Carlow lose to Antrim and beat Laois – their two promotion rivals would be assured of promotion by drawing that final game. The only way Carlow can avoid that is to ensure they keep it in their own hands by defeating Antrim next week.