Glynn saves Dublin's blushes

Carlow hurling manager Eddie Byrne said he was hugely disappointed after his side incurred a one-point defeat to Dublin at Dr Cullen Park on Saturday evening.

However, his team far exceeded expectations with their passionate performance. Level at half-time, the score stood at Carlow 1-5 to Dublin 0-8, as the home side never let the visitors out of their sight.

Even when Dublin held a five points lead entering the final quarter, Carlow kept plugging away and equalised with five minutes to go through Johnny Kavanagh. However, Dublin's centre half forward Gordon Glynn was on hand to save Dublin's blushes with a winning 66th minute point. Carlow played well throughout and in a pulsating opening 10 minutes held Dublin at 1-1 to 0-4, the goal coming from Michael Ryan. Tomas McGrane hit five first-half points for Dublin and Carlow replied with Pat Coady scoring two excellent points from play in the 36th and 39th minutes. Dublin had made two changes at the break with David Henry and Dermot Daly introduced into the forward line and the gamble paid dividends in the 40th minute when Daly's high probing ball deceived Carlow goalkeeper Pat Fenlon, hitting the upright and falling into the back of the net.

Although Carlow responded with a Ciaran Jordan point, Dublin took a five-points lead with McGrane (2), Daly, and midfield duo Michael Fitzsimons and David Sweeney all registering scores.

But this Carlow team were nothing if not determined and when corner forward John Byrne broke through for a goal in the 54th minute the game was set up for a breathtaking finale.

Unfortunately for Carlow they were unable to regain the lead.

DUBLIN: B McLoughlin; L O'Donoghue (0-1), D Spain, C McGann; J Finnegan, S Perkins, D McInerney; M Fitzsimons (0-1), D Sweeney (0-1); S Martin, G Glynn (0-3), D Russell (0-1); T McGrane (0-7, 5 frees), C Brady, G Ennis. Subs: D Daly (1-2) for Ennis; D Henry for C Brady; K Horgan for S Martin.

CARLOW: P Fenlon; D Dundon, T Doyle, P Keogh; D Kavanagh, N Bambrick, P Nevin; P Coady (0-5, 2 frees), R Foley (0-2); D Roberts (0-1), C Jordan (0-1), J Kavanagh (0-2); P Jordan, M Ryan (1-1), J Byrne (1-0). Subs: B Lawlor for P Jordan.

Referee: G Harrington (Cork).