Carlow really rose to the occasion in Bord Na Mona Park on Sunday.
Offaly provided the battleground for a rare clash between Carlow and Kildare in the Leinster senior football championship quarter-finals. Remarkably, this was only the third time these two counties met each other in the championship since 1965.
Division 4 Carlow were the clear underdogs against their Division 1 opponents. However, it was the minnows who had their day against their provincial rivals.
Carlow got off to a flier, taking an early two-point lead. Daniel Flynn's goal in the first half brought the Lilywhites out 1-1 to 0-3 in front. However, Kildare's momentum was killed when Daniel St Ledger somehow found the net with a superb long-range free. This was swiftly followed by Robbie Molloy in the Carlow goal saving a penalty from Eanna O’Connor. At this point, it looked like it just wasn't going to be Kildare's day. Carlow took a five-point lead into the break.
The Scallion Eaters remained in front for the rest of the game. While Kildare stayed within touching distance, a late goal from Paul Bradley killed the game off as a contest. Turlough O’Brien’s men secured a memorable 2-14 to 1-10 victory. It was the first time they beat Kildare in the championship since 1953.
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