Foley returns to Carlow team for Tailteann Cup opener

Former team captain Darragh Foley returns to the Carlow team for Sunday's Tailteann Cup tie in Brewster Park against Fermanagh, (throw in 2pm).

The Kilbride man brought the curtain down on a record breaking intercounty career at the end of last season but has been tempted back into the fray by new manager Joe Murphy. Foley linked up with the squad again in the aftermath of the Leinster Championship defeat to Meath at the start of April and has been training hard with the squad since in preparation for the Tailteann Cup.

Foley's talent speaks for itself, and it will be interesting to see how well he can utilise his long range shooting under the new rules, but his leadership and experience will also be invaluable as elsewhere in the team, Murphy has entrusted his faith in youth, although there is also room for the return of the rampaging Sean Murphy. 

Youngsters Ben McCarron, in goal, Kyle Nolan and John Phiri all get the nod to start. 

Niall Hickey comes into the team at centre back which releases captain Mikey Bambrick into a wing forward role, while Paddy McDonnell moves to corner back. 

The teams met in the groups of the competition in Netwatch Cullen Park last year and there was just a goal between the teams, Fermanagh winning 1-13 to 0-13. 

Fermanagh finished just a point away from promotion in Division 3 of the National Football League this season but suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Ulster Championship when they let a seven point lead slip in the last ten minutes against Down. Nevertheless, they are a strong team and Carlow will have to be at their absolute best to take anything from the game.