First Championship Match in Carlow

Carlow v Donore

The first County Championship match in county Carlow played in spring 1889 was a very low scoring game.

"The first match for the County Carlow Championship was played on Sunday between Carlow and Donore on Ballybar racecourse. The event caused a good deal of interest amongst the admirers of Gaelic pastimes, and a large crowd was present. It would have conduced a good deal to the convenience of both spectators and players if the former were content to keep outside the side lines, but notwithstanding the praiseworthy efforts of several gentlemen connected with Tinryland club the crowd insisted on encroaching on the field. The ball was thrown in at half-past three, and before many minutes had elapsed it became apparent that big scoring would not be the order of the day. The teams seemed to be very evenly matched, and although the ball was often in dangerous proximity to the goals, it was always got away before a score could be made. Towards the end of the first half hour Carlow succeeded in getting a 40 years kick, and McDonald scored a point very cleverly. During the second half hour both sides played very determinedly, but there was no score made and the victory was awarded to Carlow on the point mentioned".

Rules strictly Enforced

"Some of the Carlow men were rather taken aback by the decision of the referee (Mr. E.J. Doyle), with reference to the dandling of the ball from one hand to another, but Mr. Doyle pointed out that the County Committee had decided to allow dandling on one hand but not with both".