KCLR analyst and former Carlow hurler James Hickey has welcomed the appointment of Chris Nolan as Carlow hurling captain for the 2026 season.
It was confirmed this week that Nolan will take the armband for the hurlers, while Mikey Bambrick will continue as captain of the Carlow footballers.
Nolan brings a strong CV into the role, having won two Joe McDonagh Cup medals, six Joe McDonagh All Stars, and being named Carlow Hurler of the Year in 2025.
Speaking to KCLR, Hickey said he wants to see the new captain drive standards even higher within the group.
“What I would like Chris to do is really push Carlow on and really test themselves. Win the Joe McDonagh and then give a good account of themselves in an All-Ireland quarter-final,” Hickey said.
“You’d like to see Chris nominated for a proper All-Star, like a number of the Laois lads a few years ago. If you’re winning multiple Joe McDonagh All Stars, you need to push on to the next level – and I think Chris will do that.”
You can hear more from James Hickey on the KCLR Hurling Podcast, available now wherever you get your podcasts.
