O'Byrne Cup/ Wicklow 1-12 Carlow 2-6: A wonderful introduction to the latest chapter in the longest of GAA stories. Mick O'Dwyer's official arrival in Wicklow will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, when a late goal from Paul Phibbs - plucked from junior club Lacken - ensured the feats of last season have been equalled already.
Small steps, warned Micko and his lieutenant, Kevin O'Brien (Wicklow's only All Star), but in typically mischievous fashion the Waterville traveller noted: "They only won one game last year, so they are on a par with 2006. That's not too bad."
What on earth is O'Dwyer doing in Wicklow? There were 16 training sessions in the lead up to Saturday's encounter - all in different clubs across the county.
One session took place in south Wicklow, where Wexford brogues could be heard along the sideline. There will be a few more in Aughrim next Saturday as Paul Bealin's team finally start their campaign. Setanta Sports are expected back too.
Now, it must be noted, O'Dwyer's arrival has yet to offset the type of hysteria evident by his presence in Laois and Kildare, but those counties could smell an All-Ireland. Around 4,000 turned out at this truly idyllic setting but pandemonium status was only achieved when Phibbs delivered the killer score.
Extra-time seemed certain when Paul Earls dropped a long-range free into the square's edge. The great Tommy Gill got a finger tip to the ball and, all of a sudden, the unmarked Phibbs had a sight of goal. He struck it horribly, but it slid under Carlow goalkeeper James Clarke.
No doubt Wicklow have quality. When the pressure came hard Gill showed for ball, kicking 0-5. Leighton Glynn's constant raids from deep would probably find a home in any team in the country. He's a quality hurler too. His fellow wing back Steve Cushe showed well, as did James Stafford in midfield.
When did you write that script, Micko? "Well, we had been told over the years that Wicklow are bad finishers and what have you.
"With the two goals got against us at vital stages in the second half, most teams would have caved in under those circumstances. A lot would say Wicklow would have caved in under it.
"But no, we kept plugging away. Tommy Gill led the forwards and that young fella Phibbs that we brought in made a big difference. He showed great heart and great spirit. He comes from a junior club and they are the guys that we'll be bringing through as this team go on.
"We are playing Wexford next and that's going to be another cracking game and it will help us on our way maybe to get back near the top."
The O'Dwyer spotlight was so nearly overshadowed by a Carlow debutant named Derek Hayden of Eire Óg. Hayden smashed 2-3 - the excellently taken goals both threatened to secure victory - in a performance that bodes well for the future.
On scratching of the surface it was discovered Hayden was of pure blood - son of intercounty stalwart Joe. "And grandson of the great Brendan Hayden," said Carlow manager Andy Shorthall.
WICKLOW: J Bolger; C Hyland, J Cushe, A Byrne; L Glynn (0-2), D O hAnnaidh, S Cushe (0-1); J Stafford, B Sheehan; J Slattery (0-1), T Gill (0-5, three frees), JP Dalton; JP Kelly, P Earls (0-2, two frees), J Daniels. Subs: D Jackman (0-1)for B Sheehan (30 mins), C Davis for J Cushe (half-time), P Phibbes (1-0)for JP Kelly (53 mins).
CARLOW: J Clarke; J Ryan, B Leonard, M Nolan; P Cashin, B English, A Murphy; W Minchin, G Morrissey; D Hayden (2-3, one free), P Hickey, JJ Smith; N Barrett, M Carpenter (0-1), J Kavanagh (0-2, two frees). Subs: R McGrath for W Minchin (46 mins), S Mernagh for N Barrett (53 mins), B Kelly for J Kavanagh, J Hickey for P Hickey (both 62 mins).
Referee: T Quigley(Wexford).
