Leinster Football Championship 1944
First Round

Carlow  1 – 10             Kildare   2 - 07

Carlow and Kildare Draw

The outstanding feature of Sunday’s match between Kildare and Carlow at Athy was the enormous attendance in the present circumstances. The result a draw was a fitting result though on the run of the game Carlow was a bit unlucky. It was a game brimful of interest and excitement with the lead always in the balance. The standard of play was not up to reputation of the teams; there was mbination, marking and positioning, which delighted the followers a couple of seasons past. Carlow introduced us to some new players and from the display of these they are likely to become permanent. The match was played at a great pace and several of the scores came from high balls. J. Doyle, Carlow’s full forward, was in rare form at taking frees. He seldom missed. At midfield there were many glorious bouts between R. Martin and M. Brosnan on the Kildare side and J. Morris and L. Kelly for Carlow who with Whelan were the outstanding players of the Carlow side. Both defence lines were great, alternately either citadel bore the brunt of terrific attacks successfully, but the attack very often was at fault. The centre-fulls certainly deserve extra praise, P. Waters on the the side and Archibold in opposition. Heavey and McGoey have come to stay and the rest of the old hands did very well.

The Replay

Carlow  3 – 11             Kildare  2 - 05

While Kildare showed little or no improvement in the meantime since their draw two weeks ago, Carlow were streets better. Combining and fielding better they were much faster and positioned to advantage and once they started on the scoreboard their confidence was obvious. Carlow introduced a few newcomers in Sullivan and Joyce, both of whom did well and additional experience should convert them into a real find. Sullivan’s display was all the more meritorious as he had cycled that morning from New Ross. Moore was the most improved member of the side and with M. Byrne’s long powerful driving made numerous openings. John Doyle, Rea and Hosey were winning factors. Whelan and O’Rourke were seen to advantage in the half-back line and beat off many an attack. Kildare’s back division had a gruelling test and individuality they did well but their lack of cohesion, combination and stamina was surprising. Martin and M. Geraghty were up against a great pair in Kelly and Morris. J. Archibold, the Carlow full-back, was outstanding and was ably assisted by P. Farrell and J. Lalor.

 

Adapted excerpts from the “Nationalist and Leinster Times”, 20th May & 3rd June 1944