Comment: After Carlow set-back, a looming make-or-break clash for Kildare hurlers

The first thing that struck us when we arrived at Dr Cullen Park for Saturday's Joe McDonagh Cup opener was the scarcity of fans.

Some 15 minutes before throw-in one could count the number of supporters without too much bother and while that did improve it certainly came nowhere close to the attendance in Tullamore just six days previously.

The game was on a mere few minutes and one would be forgiven if wondering did the stay-away-fans know something that the rest of us did not?

Carlow came out of the traps like an inspired side; a side that were primed for the challenge; a side that showed so much physicality — fair and honest physicality it has to be said — one felt early on that Kildare were way off the pace; were pushed aside with relative ease and comfort and played a short game that saw them turned over time and time again, particularly in that opening period.

approach of the two managers to this clash could not have been more different.

This was the third time they have met this season with Kildare winning both. However, if we cast our mind back to the opening game, a game Kildare won comfortably and talking to David Herity after he said “we (Kildare) are a good bit ahead of them (Carlow) preparation-wise and fitness-wise.

And there in lies the difference.

Carlow manager, Tom Mullally, a man who knows more about Kildare hurling than any other manager at the minute, set out his stall early in the season with one objective — playing Kildare in the opening round of the Joe McDonagh.

Not worried about the Kehoe Cup; not overly concerned with the Allianz Hurling League; everything was aimed; everything was scheduled and everything was planned for what was this opening championship game against Kildare.

Despite what David Herity said after the game that he does not believe in hang-overs following the disappointment of losing the League final to Offaly just six days ago, he is probably in a minority of one who actually believes that.

From the throw-in Kildare were second to the ball; Carlow pushed up at every opportunity; Paddy McKenna went short with practically every puck-out; defenders insisting on short-passing their way out of tight situations, and were simply turned-over time and time again.

Manager Herity insisted, and insisted somewhat forcibly, that short-passing was not part of their game plan, but Kildare continued to use that tactic; a tactic that saw them being blown-up on a handful of occasions for illegal passing; something that we also saw six days previously against Offaly.

The difference in class of the opposition (when playing the McDonagh Cup) was evident when you look back and see Kildare had not conceded a goal in all competitions prior to playing Offaly in the League; conceded two that day; in fairness did not concede any last week but then on Saturday conceded four in 28 minutes of the opening half and another early in the second, confirming the step up in class as the season unfolds.

Now comes another huge test on Sunday when Offaly come to Hawkfield.

There was some doubt if this game would be allowed to take place in the Manguard Plus COE but following an inspection by Croke Park officials, along with a visit to the ground from the gardai, it is understood the game will go ahead at the venue; but with a limited number of supporters.

Getting the go-ahead for COE should give Kildare a much needed boost; they know this ground well while many in the green and gold of The Faithful County may not have played at this venue heretofore.

Having said all that there is much needed soul-searching by all involved if Kildare are to dust themselves off and get back up on the horse.

Soul-searching by players; soul-searching by the management and everyone concerned.

This really is a massive game for Kildare and with Offaly getting a real boost following a three-point win over Division 1B side Laois, albeit relegated to Division 2A for 2024, nevertheless it will gave the green and gold boys a really good boost for this Sunday.

No doubt David Herity and his backroom team will be emphasising that the time to leave the short-passing game in the dressing room is now.

But will that be heeded?

As the manager said, in the after-match comments after the last two games against this Sunday's opposition and Offaly in the League final, players must break the tackle; make the yards and get that ball to the inside players.

Failure to do so could see The Lilies out of McDonagh Cup contention but also possibly under pressure to retain their status.

That is not trying to be overly negative but it is what the situation could easily be if a win on Sunday is not achieved.

On the other hand, a win next weekend, could give The Lilies a bit of momentum, momentum that was sadly lacking against Carlow.

A decent home attendance would certainly help Kildare; a packed Hawkfield can be an intimidating venue for a visiting team, Offaly will be well aware of that and no doubt Johnny Kelly's side will come out of the traps every bit as fast as Tom Mullally's boys last week.

It is imperative that Kildare are ready, absolutely committed to doing the very opposite to the way they started last week.

Anything else could be fatal!