"There is a big two and half weeks to come," says Murphy 

Joe Murphy was philosophical at the end of a taxing O'Byrne Cup opener against Offaly in Pairc Ui Bhriain.

It was an opportunity lost to beat a side who will ply their trade in Division 2 of the National Football League this year. 

The victory would have boosted morale, so instead Carlow will have to reflect on what was a decent performance.

“A few areas which we have to improve on. Especially around the middle sector," the Carlow manager said.

"It is disappointing to lose the game. We were two points up with five minutes to go and it just got away from us.

“Maybe a bit of lacking in the legs. We are two-thirds away through our process of fitness and there is a big two and half weeks to come before the first round of the National Football League. 

All those weeks count. We will be stronger the next day and we have something to build,” Murphy predicted.

No doubt the players performed with a Joie de Vivre. 

The warm-ups were fast and accurate with the players buying into doing what they were asked to do.

“We are trying to create an atmosphere," Murphy noted. 

"We want to pick players who want to play for Carlow and who enjoy playing for Carlow. 

"The flip side is that we want success at the end of the road and we want to win these matches. 

"It is a mixed bag of emotions at the moment. We look on it as our first competitive game. We see enough to build on going forward.”