Sensational!

An historic first ever win over Louth in the Leinster SFC propels Carlow to a mouth watering clash in the semi final against neighbours Wexford in two weeks time!

This was no fluke win; Carlow were the superior team for most of the seventy minutes.

Speaking with some of the players during the week they all exuded confidence and positivity - it was well founded.

From the throw in Carlow took the game to last year's ‘beaten' Leinster Finalists, dominating in midfield thus nullifying Louth's talismanic no 8 Paddy Keenan, a crucial aspect of this win. Brendan Murphy and Darragh Foley were paired against a talented duo in Keenan and Brian Donnelly but turned the tide on them.

A lot of the ball won in the area was breaking ball and Carlow mopped most of it up.

Daniel St Ledger and Sean Gannon meanwhile were leading the Louth full back line a merry dance and it was like musical chairs as the Louth full back line was continually rejigged.

Great ball forward into space put the Louth back line under severe pressure and Dessie Finnegan paid the price with two first half yellow cards to reduce his side to fourteen men. Advantage Carlow.

Ed Finnegan, much under rated did enormous work in the first half, grafted really well and got on a huge amount of ball, scoring an excellent point into the bargain.

A 0-8 return against the wind was impressive; equally impressive was the defensive effort.

Conor Lawlor received a baptism of fire in his first ever senior championship game of football - for club or county having to marshall Shane Lennon. He did a great job throughout, especially in the second half.

Shane Redmond at centre back was colossus; kept it simple - win ball, move it forward. His fellow club man Trevor O Reilly was excellent in goal and made one crucial save when he stopped what looked a certain goal.

A  0-5 first half return didn't augur well for the Wee County.

But they got out of the blocks quickly in the second half, although the first two chances fell to Carlow but were fluffed. Louth tacked on three points and when they eventually hit the front, lets be honest and say most people expected them to pull away.

Carlow never panicked though, instead they dug deep, showed previously hidden reserves of character to take the game to Louth in the final ten minutes. Brendan Murphy in particular stepped up and an inspirational line ball which he pointed set Carlow on fire.

Daniel St Ledger struck an unbelievable free from 55 metres, well towards the left hand sideline sweetly between the posts.

Carlow launched forward in attack looking for the win, Shane Redmond carried the ball out, didn't see Cashin break forward down the wing and the chance looked to be gone.

It wasn't.

On another break forward Cashin carried like a man possessed, broke a tackle and laid off a good ball for Brendan Murphy to curl the winner between the posts.

An historic win was greeted with tremendous scenes of jubilation, players jumped on each other, hugged each other, shed tears and were engulfed by a rush of supporters onto the pitch. Memorable moments for all Carlovians.

When results are bad management takes the flak; full praise must go to Luke Dempsey and his team for getting this right. The team was transformed; they played with conviction and belief and great credit is due to all involved. No one gave them much hope - outside of those involved and obviously great work was done to get the mindset right. Well done.

On the pitch Trevor O Reilly had a great debut, as did Conor Lawlor. Aidan Murphy found himself as the extra man for much of the game, not as easy a role as one would expect, Benny Kavanagh steadied to have a fine game, apart from an intercepted pass which he gave as he was pushed, the half back line of Paul Cashin, Shane Redmond and Kieran Nolan excelled throughout.

Midfielders Brendan Murphy and Darragh Foley had a tremendous duel against a talented pairing; both pairings had their periods of dominance but overall Carlow got the crucial upper hand and Murphy's scores in particular were decisive.

Ed Finnegan had a huge first half and tired before being replaced.

Pat Hickey had a quiet outing by his standards, the run of the ball didn't go his way too often, Thomas Walshe strength was noteworthy, especially early on as Carlow upset Louth in the central positions, Brian Murphy notched 0-2 while Sean Gannon was a thorn in the side of the Louth defence, who had no answer to him. Daniel St Ledger kicked an impressive 0-4, three from placed balls, which were excellent kicks. His ball winning inside was immense and when bottled up recycled it every time.

Subs used were Cormac Mullins, Padraig Murphy, John Murphy and Eoghan Ruth. Great to see John Murphy back after a lengthy lay off through injury. 

If ever the draw in the Leinster SFC could be considered favourable, it is this year. And now is the time to make hay. Wexford next. They are on fire but who wouldn't relish playing their neighbours in a Leinster semi final?

And we have revenge on our minds after the U21 loss earlier!