Carlow Ladies make winning start to league as Kilkenny test awaits this weekend

Carlow's Ladies footballers made an ideal start to their Lidl National Football League campaign last Sunday and now turn their attention to an away trip to Kilkenny this weekend.

The Barrowsiders opened their 2026 league account with a 1-7 to 1-4 victory over Sligo at SETU Carlow on Sunday, picking up a valuable two points after last year’s relegation.

Having won the Division 4 title two seasons ago before dropping down in 2025, Carlow will be eager to bounce straight back.

Carlow laid the foundations for victory in the opening half, producing a disciplined display and capitalising on their chances. A goal from Cliodhna Ní Shé proved crucial, helping them into a 1-3 to 0-2 lead at the break.

Sligo, who reached a Division 4 semi-final last year and arrived with promotion ambitions, mounted a late push in the second half. A goal from Lauren Normanly cut the deficit to three points and set up a tense finish.

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However, Carlow held firm in the closing stages to see out the win and secure a solid start to the campaign.

Attention now switches to this weekend’s Round 2 fixture, with Carlow travelling to face Kilkenny at the MW Hire Training Centre in Dunmore on Sunday, with a 2pm throw-in.

Kilkenny, who finished last year’s campaign pointless, suffered a 4-12 to 0-3 loss to Derry in the opening round after a long trek to Owenbeg.

With early momentum behind them, Carlow will be hoping to build on their opening win as the Division 4 league begins to take shape.