Carlow spring another surprise

Leinster MHC Quarter-finals/Carlow 2-12 Wexford 0-11  : Carlow's first ever minor hurling championship victory over Wexford…

 Leinster MHC Quarter-finals/Carlow 2-12 Wexford 0-11 : Carlow's first ever minor hurling championship victory over Wexford at Dr Cullen Park on Saturday has qualified the county for their first provincial semi-final in the grade for half a century - in 1956 they lost the Leinster semi-final to Wexford.

Under the management of Kilkenny man Tommy Buggy, Carlow were much the better side on the day - demonstrating greater confidence, skill and scoring power than their fancied opponents, who are now eliminated from the championship.

The home side's victory was based on an outstanding half back line in which captain Dwayne Kavanagh at centre back had a tremendous game, as had his flankers Brian Doyle and James Kinsella.

The game's two goals - both scored by Carlow's talented full forward Pádraig Amond in the 21st and 26th minutes - were the pivotal scores, putting Carlow into a 2-4 to 0-7 interval lead.

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Wexford never really looked like getting the goal that might have sparked a revival as Carlow's defence remained defiant throughout the second half.

CARLOW: K Kehoe; D Byrne, B Nolan, HP Byrne; B Doyle, D Kavanagh (0-1), J Kinsella; C Doyle, R Coady (0-2); C Claney, D O'Brien, A Cox (0-2); P Kehoe (0-4, two frees), P Amond (2-1), D Murphy (0-1). Subs: P Barron for O'Brien; P Walsh (0-1) for C Doyle; E Kavanagh for Amond.

WEXFORD: M Walsh; C Leacy, C Power, B O'Loughlin; D Barron, B Hobbs, S Rackard; B Doyle, K Cullen; S Grannell (0-2), K Burke (0-1 free), L Murphy (0-3, one free, one sideline cut); D Murphy (0-3), R Fox (0-2), J Kelly. Subs: E Boggan for Kelly; R Wilson for Leacy.

Referee: C Groome (Offaly).