Carlow turn on style to prevail

THE Carlow footballers are enjoying the summer of a lifetime and they will play a fifth Championship game next weekend after securing their place in Round 3 of the All Ireland Qualifiers thanks to an impressive win over Leitrim in Netwatch Cullen Park.

The home side trailed throughout the first half but they really turned on the style after the break to record a fully-deserved seven-point win.

Inspired by midfielder Sean Murphy, and with Paul Broderick, Ciaran Moran and captain Darragh Foley causing problems up front, they completely overpowered Leitrim in the second half.

The visitors had led 0-6 to 0-2 midway through the half and were 0-9 to 0-7 up at the break. Youngster Ryan O’Rourke was on fire in that opening half, shooting three points against a massed Carlow defence.

But Broderick’s goal nine minutes into the second half put Carlow into the lead and from there on they dominated before Moran’s goal sealed the win late on.

Both teams finished with 14 players after Carlow’s Chris Crowley and Leitrim’s Brendan Gallagher were sent off following a melee.