Two teams traveling in very different directions met today in the Leinster Football Championship. A hapless Kildare, who are yet to win a game this year, met recently promoted Carlow at Bord Na Mona O'Connor Park and were left stunned as they were beaten 2-14 to 1-10.
Kildare started brightly with an early Daniel Flynn goal, but Carlow responded immediately when Daniel St Ledger found the net for Turlough O'Brien's side. Moorefield's Eanna O’Connor then missed a penalty and from there Carlow began to take hold. A Paul Broderick free on the stroke of half-time put Carlow five points clear at the break.
Broderick's exceptional placed balls kept Carlow ticking over.
Kildare boss Cian O'Neill is set for increasing pressure after today's performance. Already this weekend a former player of his, Tomás Ó Sé poised big questions of O'Neill is his Irish Independent column.
I'm actually surprised I haven't heard anybody else say this. To me, tomorrow's is a game that could conceivably cost O'Neill his job. I just get a really negative vibe about them and the loss of experienced men like Emmet Bolton and Ollie Lyons probably hasn't helped. Are you honestly telling me that neither of those had anything left to contribute?
I hate being so down on a group but, if I was a Kildare supporter, I'd be deeply frustrated with the sense of ambivalence that seems to be surrounding my team right now.
They look rudderless to me and that presents a serious question for O'Neill. Because this weekend they're going to be presented with a puzzle that, mark my words, won't be easily resolved. Has he the smarts to help them come through it?
It was a sentiment echoed by Colm O'Rourke, writing in the Sunday Independent today: "There have been plenty of excuses from Cian O'Neill. Eventually, people tire of this and just want to see their team winning. "
It is the qualifiers for the Lilywhites now, where O'Neill will hope for a huge response.
Biggest 15 minutes of Cian O’Neill’s tenure coming up. Ridiculous, clueless performance
— John Ryan (@John_Ryan1) May 27, 2018
Win or lose, time for Cian O'Neill to walk away in half an hour. #kildare #carlow
— Ewan MacKenna (@EwanMacKenna) May 27, 2018
However, the story of this game is undoubtedly Carlow. They set up a June 10 clash with Laois in a Leinster semi-final and credit must go to the exceptional work by O'Brien and Steven Poacher in creating a well-drilled, determined side with a monumental sense of belief.
Late scores from Kevin Feely and Paul Cribbin had brought Kildare within three but Carlow stayed calm and a Conor Lawlor goal ensured a victory they thoroughly deserved.
Carlow are incredibly smart with their possession. Have not counted a single wide / shot off post / effort dropping short in that first half. Kildare have had 6 wides, 2 off the post, one that dropped short and they trail by five. Big trouble.
— Eoin Sheahan (@EoinSheahan) May 27, 2018
Fabulous scenes at Bord na Mona O'Connor Park as @Carlow_GAA celebrate another famous win!
Next stop @CrokePark pic.twitter.com/VMQC3FDVto— Leinster GAA (@gaaleinster) May 27, 2018
The moment of all moments 🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/q1wCxnOgJ8
— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) May 27, 2018
Amazing result for Carlow
— Declan Brouder (@DB11NCW) May 27, 2018
What a performance by @Carlow_GAA very worrying for @KildareGAA . Results like this are what the championship is all about.#LeinsterSFC
— John casey (@Johncasey14mayo) May 27, 2018
Game set and match @Carlow corner back scores a goal to seal the game 👍 Kildare didn't like the physical side off things especially as they lined out
— ciaran brannigan (@w33fry) May 27, 2018
How's the heart? Incredible scenes in Tullamore as Carlow are through to the @gaaleinster semi-final after beating Kildare for the first time since 1953! #CarlowRising @KildareGAA 1-10@Carlow_GAA 2-14#TheToughest
— AIB_GAA (@AIB_GAA) May 27, 2018
Wow incredible result from Carlow. What a revolution there has been there! Probably only get 30 seconds on the Sunday Game tonight though.
— Gerry McK (@GMcK2012) May 27, 2018
And Goliath lays down Carlow have played their heart and souls and crushed Oils are, well done each and every one of you! https://t.co/MTCymnlqlH
— Jennifer Murnane O Connor TD (@JenMurnaneOConn) May 27, 2018
I'm from Kildare! Carlow beat us today fair and square. This is not a drill! Fairplay Carlow, but our ballers are in a bad ould place! #kildareGaa #CarlowRising
— Col Patterson 🎶 💙💛 (@ColPmusic) May 27, 2018
1953 since @Carlow_GAA achieved this what a wonderful day to be alive #CarlowRising pic.twitter.com/JVHxSrKntW
— fr Paddy (@frpaddybyrne) May 27, 2018
Some win for Carlow today against a Div1 team. Roll on Laois. pic.twitter.com/zSW8LkkmSo
— Leighlinbridge GFC (@LeighlinGfc) May 27, 2018
Next up for Carlow is a rematch of the division four league final, as Laois await in a Leinster semi-final.
