Carlow 2-10 Wicklow 0-8
Carlow backed up their spirited run in last year’s All-Ireland championship by claiming their first O’Byrne Cup after beating Wicklow this afternoon.
A crowd of over 4000 were on hand at Dr Cullen Park to see Pat Roe’s side take command despite taking a moment to find their stride.
Paddy Dalton and Anthony Nolan put Wicklow into an early lead but Brian Carberry and John Nevin soon had Carlow Level.
Carlow then pressed on after Carberry netted from the penalty spot. Carlow led 1-3 to 0-2 at the break.
Wicklow, under the guidance of former Dublin goalkeeper John O’Leary, started the second half with renewed vigour, scoring three points without reply.
But Wicklow failed to press home that advantage and were soon forced onto the back foot as Carlow kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The game was well out of Wicklow’s reach by the time John Nevin scored Carlow’s second goal in injury-time.