Luke Dempsey was full of praise for Carlow's battling qualities in securing a draw, despite having two player sent off, against Meath in the Leinster SFC clash at O'Connor Park in Tullamore.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio after the game, Dempsey said: "It’s only what the players deserve. We battled so hard. At the start of the second half we had chances that went a begging and I thought it was going to be one of those days that underdogs often had
"Our defence were magnificent throughout. At the end, we got our just desserts, with JJ Smith getting that goal."
On being reduced to 13 men, Dempsey added: “I never thought the game was gone from us, despite having two players sent off. The game was ebbing and flowing, and in the heat of championship it sometimes doesn’t matter how many players you have on the pitch.
"To be proud of these lads is an understatement. Daniel St Leger went off after the break and that was a blow for us, but we have 26 lads who have given huge commitment over the last few weeks. The subs that came made a huge difference.
"For the replay, it’s back to the drawing board for both teams. We don’t have huge resources in Carlow but we have plenty of spirit," added Dempsey.
