Huge size of fight in underdog
WHATEVER about the scoreboard, Eoghan Ruth believes Carlow will compete with Dublin physically this weekend. The team Turlough O’brien fields against the All-ireland champions in O’moore Park on Saturday evening may well be the biggest Carlow have ever had and towering forward Ruth is no exception. It’s a strength that Carlow need to make the very most of if they are to be in any way competitive. Ruth said: “You’re not going to stand off them or pay them any respect in those terms. They’re humans. I’m sure they hurt as well if you hit them with a shoulder. “I’m sure they’re not going to catch every ball. We’ll probably live off scraps but physically we’re going to compete. “I’m sure we will win some small battles here and there. Whether it will reflect on the scoreboard, I don’t know.” He continued: “Isn’t the Mike Tyson saying that you can plan until you get a punch in the face? Our plan is just to keep tight. “It would be great if we could keep the score flowing and make sure the game isn’t over early and see from there.” While a win would be outlandish, there are other benefits Carlow football can glean from a fixture like this. “Having a bit of momentum behind you will convince lads it’s worth giving your all. “Even lads coming up, that they stick with Gaelic and you have something really positive to aim at. “Hopefully, lads will see that and say, ‘That’s what I want to do’.” “I love playing for Carlow. I like going training, the structure, everything from the diet to the gym work. I like pushing myself.”