Carlow GAA name team for crunch Wexford clash as footballers look to bounce back

Carlow boss Joe Murphy has named his starting team for tonight’s O’Byrne Cup Shield quarter-final showdown with Wexford.

The 7.30pm throw-in at Brother Leo Park comes just days after Carlow’s opening-round defeat to Offaly, where two late goals from Cormac Egan and Aaron Leavy swung the game away from Murphy’s side on a final scoreline of 3-14 to 3-9.

With knockout football now on the line, Murphy has turned to a strong Rathvilly-heavy selection for the local derby, with eight players from the club included in the starting line-up.

Harry Clarke starts in goal behind a defence that features Lee Moore, Dara Curran and Colin Byrne. The half-back line sees Tadhg Roche, Mark Furey and Padraig Bolger, with Adam Burgess and Conor Doyle at midfield.

Up front, Mikey Bambrick, Colm Hulton and Paddy McDonnell will be asked to provide the cutting edge, supported by Sean Murphy, Ross Dunphy and Palatine’s Conor Crowley in the full-forward line.

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With a place in the semi-finals up for grabs, Carlow will be hoping to respond strongly after Saturday’s disappointment and get their O’Byrne Cup Shield campaign back on track.

Carlow team to take on Wexford:

Harry Clarke (Rathvilly)
Lee Moore (Éire Óg)
Dara Curran (Rathvilly)
Colin Byrne (Rathvilly)
Tadhg Roche (Old Leighlin)
Mark Furey (Éire Óg)
Padraig Bolger (Rathvilly)
Adam Burgess (Rathvilly)
Conor Doyle (Rathvilly)
Mikey Bambrick (Old Leighlin)
Colm Hulton (Éire Óg)
Paddy McDonnell (Bagenalstown Gaels)
Sean Murphy (Fenagh)
Ross Dunphy (Éire Óg)
Conor Crowley (Palatine)