Speaking to the KCLR Hurling Podcast following Carlow’s 2-23 to 2-12 defeat to Kerry in Round 1 of the Leinster Hurling Championship, former Carlow hurler James Hickey offered his insights on the game, highlighting the team’s particularly disappointing second-half performance.
“No, Carlow’s return in the second half wasn’t good enough. The second-half performance came, but it came from Kerry. They just blew us away in every department, their work ethic was brilliant, and they were hungrier.”
The former Carlow player also stressed the need to develop a strong pipeline to the senior team, highlighting that consistent effort over the next few years will be vital for long-term success.
“You need that conveyor belt coming behind it. We’ll get away with it for another couple of years, I think, but probably in three years’ time is when that might really start to tell. It’s over these three years that the work needs to be done. They’re big shoes to fill.”
Reflecting on the current Carlow senior team, Hickey was full of praise, acknowledging their impressive performances.
“The current Carlow senior team is probably the best I’ve ever seen. They’re absolutely outstanding. Every day they go to play, you get into your car and think, ‘These boys have a chance today.’”
Looking ahead to Carlow’s upcoming Joe McDonagh Cup campaign, Hickey expressed confidence in the team’s potential, despite the tough competition they will face.
“The hurling this year, the Joe Mac, is going to be electric. For us to win it, we’re going to have to earn this the hard way.”
Carlow begin their Joe MacDonagh Cup Campaign on April 19th against Down.
Meanwhile, Carlow U20’s will take on Kildare in the second round of the U20 Leinster Hurling Championship on April 5th at Netwatch Cullen Park.
For more analysis, you can listen to James Hickey on the KCLR Hurling Podcast, available now wherever you get your podcasts.
Article by Hannah Sharpe
