Plunkett's set to challenge red card

By Kieran Murphy

Winter hurling. It is what it is and Dermot Curley, the winning St Oliver Plunkett's manager, referred to a satisfactory way to prolong the season.

“It was a good win. We are in bonus territory at this time of year. Getting games for the lads and delighted to get the win today,” he said.

He hinted that the dismissal of Aaron Craig could be appealed.

“I think the first sending off was very harsh. Aaron had won the free and he was being held. He tried to free himself. I thought it was very harsh. We will have to look at that on video. After that the lads were working very hard. It is November hurling. A heavy pitch. You are going to have intensity in a Leinster game. I didn’t think there was anything too bad in the game,” he said.

The Westmeath visitors recorded six wides in the first half. More balls dropped in on the Carlow Town keeper. If half of their chances had been taken, home heads could well have dropped.

“We had a good start but we didn’t get enough scores on the board. Then they got their penalty.

A penalty against the run of play. That is going to happen if you don’t take your chances. You could be really up against it. Our lads really responded well to the sending off.

“We went in at half-time a point up. We had a good start to the second half and very happy the lads dug in.

“We got some quality scores; worked the ball very well and tried to play the ball the way we have been playing all year.

“Overall, I am very happy with it,” he added.