Carlow was the big talking point on the hurling scene at the weekend, forcing a draw with last year's All Ireland finalists Galway in National Hurling League action.
Although Galway led 0-11 to 0-7 at half-time, Carlow grabbed the momentum late in the second half to force a deserved, if unexpected, draw.
Although Galway were missing a number of frontline players, manager Micheal Donoghue said it was a wake-up call for his squad which now takes a break before hosting Dublin on Sunday February 17.
"We knew it was going to be a challenge," said Donoghue. "We were under no illusions as to Carlow's progress, but obviously we are disappointed not to come away with the points."
Donoghue pointed to the lack of tempo in his squad's play, while a high number of wides also proved costly.
"There were positives. We did create chances, and we gave more time to some of the younger fellows and inexperienced fellas as well.
"Credit to Carlow. They battled really hard, and we had to work hard. The big plus is giving lads game time, getting them to play in big games where we have to grind it out, and today was no different."
In this first league meeting between the sides since 1961, Galway had been expected to win, and win well, but instead they came up against a physical Carlow.
It ensured Colm Bonnar’s side earned an historic draw against Galway, with the game finishing level at 0-20 to 0-20.13 wides, goal chances missed, and joe canning v martin kavanagh
Although Galway led 5-1 after 15 minutes through Thomas Monaghan, Joe Canning, and Sean Kilduff, Carlow kept in touch throughout, and were four behind at half-time, 0-11 to 0-7 .
Canning added a free after the break, but Martin Kavanagh was on target for the home side as Galway struggled to regain momentum, and when Carlow had the chance to level the game in the last minute, Kavanagh produced the goods for an historic draw.
Carlow: Brian Tracey; Alan Corcoran, Paul Doyle, Michael Doyle; Eoin Nolan, David English (0-01, 0-01f ), Richard Coady; Jack Kavanagh, Sean Whelan (0-01 ); John Michael Nolan, Martin Kavanagh (0-11, 0-10f ), Seamus Murphy (0-02 ); Ted Joyce (0-01 ), Edward Byrne (0-01 ), James Doyle (0-01 ). Subs: Chris Nolan (0-02 ) for Joyce (54 ), Jon Nolan for Byrne (59 ).
Galway: Colm Callanan; Darren Morrissey, Jack Fitzpatrick, Sean Loftus (0-01 ); Greg Lally, Padraic Mannion, Aidan Harte (0-01 ); Johnny Coen (0-02 ), Sean Kilduff (0-02 ); Brian Concannon (0-01 ), Cathal Mannion (0-01 ), Jason Flynn; Joe Canning (0-10, 0-08f ), Thomas Monaghan (0-02 ), Davy Glennon. Subs: Sean Bleahene for Glennon (10 ), Sean Linnane for Lally (h-t ), Ronan O’Meara for Monaghan (65 ).
