Late Amond goal sees Carlow past Tipperary

Aaron Amond showed he has an eye for goal like his soccer-pro brother Pádraig as he gave 14-man Carlow an opening victory away to Tipperary in Division 4 of the Allianz Football League.

The Old Leighlin wing-back broke free in the 63rd minute as Tipperary pressed up to spoil Paul Kelly's first day out as home manager at Semple Stadium, following Conor Crowley and Darragh Foley's first-half goals.

That winning score came after Colm Hulton was sent off with 20 minutes to play just as a free from Seán O’Connor (0-09) had levelled the game.

But from there, the visitors kicked the next 1-02, while a late Tipp comeback was denied when goalkeeper Jack Rodgers’ shot was taken off the line by another debutant, John Phiri.

With some experienced players stepping away, Kelly handed out five League debuts including to the entire half-back line of James Morris, Stephen Grogan, and Kieran Costello, plus Naas keeper Rodgers.

Shane Neville, who won a Clare SFC title with Cratloe, completed that quintet.

He, along with Paddy Creedon, were both in Liam Cahill’s hurling squad this time last year but both showed their ability to take a score early in this contest.

The Barrowsiders carried over a more settled team from their positive Tailteann Cup showing last summer, while adding two League debutants from the start in Collie Byrne and Paddy McDonnell.

That greater continuity translated onto the pitch as Carlow opened brightly with four of the first five points from Ross Dunphy, Foley (0-02), and Jamie Clarke.

But Tipp were level when they exploited their opponents’ full-court press for a smash-and-grab goal. Quick kick-passes from Riain Quigley and O’Connor caught the keeper behind the play and Creedon applied the finish.

Carlow responded in kind when