By Kieran Murphy

THE day after Carlow had beaten Westmeath in the All-Ireland semi-final there was an anti-climactic feeling in the air. Victory was sweet but the dismissal of Marian Doyle left a shadow. It was almost unthinkable that their co-captain who has been a rock for club and county might not lead the team out in Croke Park.
She concedes there was a clash with an opponent but nothing more than what happens in games the length and breadth of the country. Doyle was gutted.
“For over a week I was not sure whether I was going to get this opportunity. As soon as I got the all-clear to play it was put to one side. I was preparing all along but there was a doubt that I wouldn’t be part of it,” she admitted.
“The fear of it being taken from me makes this all the sweeter. In one way it calmed me as I was so close to having nothing. Now I have it all.”
In the first half the team played more or less to the conventional 6-2-6 format. In the second, Doyle dropped back. Not so much in a sweeper role but her presence gelled the middle eight positions on the field.
Carlow were superb. The hesitancy of an iffy second quarter was gone.
“We haven’t given too many good performances this year but the second half in particular we woke up,” said Marian.
The players worked hard. Ciara Quirke scored three goals and a 16-year-old who was a late arrival to the squad this year hit 1-2.
“A few of us were out on our legs. To be able to bring out new and fast legs like Rachel Sawyer was vital. This is unreal. One of the best days ever for Carlow camogie.”