It has been a long year for Luke Dempsey. After his departure from Westmeath, under acrimonious circumstances, it was reasonable to think his days on the intercounty scene were numbered.

He returned to his native Leixlip club but then Carlow came calling. After yesterday's eight-point victory over Longford in the opening round of the Leinster championship it can be taken as a given that he is back for the foreseeable future.

Although officially still an adviser, the 'Bainisteoir' T-shirt was a bit of a giveaway. The team performed admirably but Dempsey was the mastermind.

"In my time as a manager there have been few more satisfying days than today," he said. "In the last year I have learned an awful lot. Since I started with Leixlip on January 3rd I have been trying to improve my style of management.

"But credit to the 18 players out there. In the three weeks I've been here they have all listened so intently."

Any talk of players lacking discipline will have to be put on hold for the time being. There is a new topic of conversation in the county and it centres around events on the field.

"The Carlow players made up their own minds. All those wild accusations helped to spur them on," said Dempsey. "But if they celebrate this victory for too long Laois will kick them off the field," he added.

Next up are the Leinster champions at Dr Cullen Park on May 30th. Exciting times but spare a thought for Longford, whose dreams of glory took a nosedive. An arduous qualifying campaign awaits but if Denis Connerton can sort out the defence they will be a difficult team to beat.

"I'm disappointed we got beaten but Carlow were exceptional," said the ashen-faced Longford boss. "We have no complaints. We were so naive defensively it was unreal. If you score 1-16 you should not lose a game.

"We knew this was in Carlow as they had beaten Dublin in the O'Byrne Cup and Monaghan (in the league) already this year."