Carlow v Offaly:Carlow's one-point victory over Offaly in the 2005 championship, thanks to a winning strike from Mark Carpenter who features again tomorrow, was viewed from contrasting perspectives: a Carlow revival was imminent or Offaly were all lost at sea.
It appears the latter proved more accurate as Carlow suffered a more familiar malaise in the ensuing 12 months, despite the guidance of Liam Hayes, with comprehensive defeats to Laois and Meath ending last season's championship interest. Only London ensured they avoided rock bottom in Division 2A.
Offaly hardly covered themselves in glory in the same division, although they dismissed tomorrow's opponents 3-12 to 1-8 in Tullamore back in February.
More of the same is expected here from the 2006 Leinster finalists as the potent scoring exploits of Thomas Deehan and Niall McNamee are augmented by the transfer of PJ Ward from Westmeath. Ciarán McManus has also been afforded more scope to attack from wing forward as debutant Niall Smith joins captain Alan McNamee in midfield.
Carlow's new manager John Kearns hands eight fresh-faced players their championship debuts. They can expect a harsh introduction to the rigours of championship battle.
Offaly to comfortably progress to a semi-final against the winners of Dublin and Meath. Carlow seem destined to slip into Tommy Murphy territory .
OFFALY:P Kelly; G Rafferty, J Quinn, J Keane; P McConway, S Brady, K Slattery; A McNamee, N Smith; N Coughlan, P Kellaghan, C McManus; T Deehan, PJ Ward, N McNamee.
CARLOW:J Clarke; J Ryan, C Bolger, M Nolan; P Cashin, E Doyle, J Hickey; G Morrissey, M Brennan; K Nolan, D Hayden, M Carpenter; P Reid, D Byrne, B Kelly.
Referee:M Daly (Mayo).
Sunday, Portlaoise, 2.10pm
