Carlow stick with winning formula for Joe McDonagh final versus Laois
Evan Kealy replaces Fiach Ó Toole as Pat Bennett sticks largely with the side that beat Laois in April.
Carlow manager Pat Bennett has named his team for Saturday's Joe McDonagh Cup final against Laois in Croke Park.
The Barrowsiders have made just one change from the side that defeated Laois 4-17 to 1-17 in the opening round of the championship back in April.
Evan Kealy comes into the starting 15 in place of Fiach Ó Toole, who is named among the substitutes. Otherwise, Bennett has kept faith with the team that secured a nine-point victory when the counties met earlier in the campaign.
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Brian Tracey starts in goal behind a full-back line of Paul Doyle, Dion Wall and Jack McCullagh. Jon Nolan, Kevin McDonald and Evan Kealy are named across the half-back line.
Fiachra Fitzpatrick and Ciaran Whelan continue their midfield partnership while Conor Kehoe, Jack Treacy and Donagh Murphy are selected in the half-forward line. Experienced forward Martin Kavanagh is named at corner-forward alongside Chris Nolan and James Doyle.
CARLOW: Brian Tracey; Paul Doyle, Dion Wall, Jack McCullagh; Jon Nolan, Kevin McDonald, Evan Kealy; Fiachra Fitzpatrick, Ciaran Whelan; Conor Kehoe, Jack Treacy, Donagh Murphy; Martin Kavanagh, Chris Nolan, James Doyle.
SUBS: Kyle Foley, Fiach Ó Toole, Lorcan Doyle, Conaill Fitzpatrick, Paddy Boland, John Michael Nolan, John Doyle, Jake Nolan, Niall Bolger, Ted Joyce, Colm Beck.
EXTENDED PANEL: Ruairi Murphy, Kevin Kavanagh, Eric English, Richard Coady, Colm Kavanagh, Conor Carew, Jamie Wall, Paidi O’Shea, Tadhg O’Neill.
Carlow will take confidence from their victory over Laois in the opening round, but previous meetings between the counties suggest Saturday's contest is likely to be another close affair.
The winners will not only lift the Joe McDonagh Cup but also secure promotion to the 2027 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.