Dempsey delighted as team gets off to winning start
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Tuesday February 09 2010
"THEY'VE PUT in huge amount of work but they knew that Longford and Limerick in the first two matches would be very tough" said a delighted Luke Dempsey after Carlow's opening NFL win against the midlanders in Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday.
"These two matches would be crucial if we are to progress - now we have won this one and I think we'll progress this year and that's why I'm so happy," he added.
He pointed to the spirit which brought Carlow through. "You can see they're fighting hard, and of course we've a great asset back in Brendan Murphy who has been outstanding at midfield. I'm thrilled for them because I know how much work they've put in so far."
Luke noted the free count which showed Carlow discipline and felt the displays of Alan Curran ("I'm bemused that he's only a sub on his club team.") Simon Rea and Sean Gannon, particularly when going to midfield."
The manager is certain hat the confidence within the squad will grow given results like Wicklow in the O'Byrne and now Longford and Sunday's result, he adds, should be a tremendous boost for their visit to Limerick on Saturday next. "There's no need for any special psychology, winning is the psychology."
Returning to action after almost a month on the line through injury, Carlow captain Brian Murphy revelled in joining his brother and colleagues in Dr. Cullen Park on Sunday for most of the game. "It was just brilliant and it just goes to show what, with belief, Carlow football can do - and we were by far the better team today."
The squad well realise the impact of the taller of the brothers, but Brian is quick to add: " It's not just about Brendan, this is a team effort. Hopefully this is only the start of a long road this year, and with better things to come," he of little doubt that Carlow can get out of Division 4 and have a good run in the Leinster championship.
" The start to this year has been brilliant. There's a great buzz at training, and believe me it's very hard to stand on the sideline and watch it, but it's great to get in," voicing his belief that Carlow can beat Limerick on Saturday. " We will win that game - we dominated the first half today and took the wrong options at times and could have won by five or six points."
Brian wants to see the end of Carlow players lacking belief when they don a county football jersey because of the county's unfortunate history. " If Carlow club teams can play well in Leinster, but just when they put on the Carlow jersey that belief goes out the door. What we have to do is change that history and that's what we're going to do this year."
