Pride the order of the day for Kildare manager after huge win
Brian Dowling's Kildare side stunned Carlow away from home to win in their second Joe McDonagh Cup game in a row after winning their first ever against Westmeath
Kildare manager Brian Dowling couldn't hide his delight at the magnitude of the win over Carlow.
Dowling said, “I am so proud of the panel, each and everyone of them have responded to everything that has been put to them. The win over Westmeath gave the players great confidence coming into the Carlow game. The weight of not winning a Joe McDonagh game was lifted with that Westmeath win.
"From 1 to 15 and the subs that came were brilliant to a man today."
When asked about the contribution of Cathal Dowling the Kildare boss couldn't speak highly enough of a player who is virtually unplayable and it's his ability to bring others into the game that impresses him the most.
Dowling explained, “Cathal has had a horrible time with injuries, but on his day he is a massive part of the team.
Dowling concluded by saying that they will enjoy tonight and build up for the Laois game next weekend.
“We need to be ready for a tough battle,” he said.
Speaking to James Burke and Jack Sheridan after the huge win, the two Naas players were thrilled to be part of one of Kildare's greatest victories.
Jack Sheridan eluded to the confidence within the camp over the last two weeks.
He said, “We believed we could come to Carlow and get a result. As a unit this afternoon we produced the hurling we knew are capable of.”
Sheridan also had special mention for Cathal Dowling and what he brings to the team.
James Burke has been on end of the bad days against Carlow, notably two years ago and the man deployed in midfield today was delighted to be on the right side this time.
“We got great confidence from the Westmeath result. After playing well in that opening half, it was that early Cathal Dowling second half goal that gave us the belief w could go on and get the win,” Burke said.
Both players were looking forward to getting back to Hawkfield on Tuesday night with just two games left to play and Laois up next.