Carlow manager Colm Bonnar said that he was "proud" of how his players hung in with Galway in the aftermath of their famous draw with the Tribesmen in the Allianz Hurling League.
Galway led by four at the break after a competitive first half and most would have expected the 2017 All-Ireland champions to kick on in the second period, but Bonnar was proud that Carlow produced a strong second half to reel the visitors in.
"Normally when you’re underdogs like that and you put up a decent performance in the first half, the bigger teams can steamroll you a bit, but I was very proud of our lads that we hung in there and I thought we threatened even more in the second half. We scored 13 points in the second half and threatened for goal a few times," Bonnar told RTÉ Sport.
Bonnar insisted that his side’s performances in division 1B are proof that Carlow hurling is heading in the right direction and the Barrowsiders manager said he now wants to see "more days like this."
"This is what it’s all about. Carlow need this and it’s great that we got a good support. The players wouldn’t be used to that type of vocal crowd, roaring them on until the end. We want more days like this."
Some fantastic hurling today, Well done Carlow 🇬🇳
— Carlow GAA (@Carlow_GAA) February 3, 2019
Final score: Allianz National Hurling League (2nd half, 73min) Carlow 0-20 (20) Galway 0-20 (20) #carlowrising@itcarlow 🇬🇳 pic.twitter.com/EG0buFwge5
Galway manager Micheál Donoghue expressed his disappointment at the result, but said that his side won’t be pushing any panic buttons just yet.
"We’ve still got lads to come back as well we’re not going to lose sight of that and there won’t be any panic buttons pressed, but obviously there are some elements of the game we’re not happy with," Donoghue said.
He was also full of praise for his opposite number and the job done since taking the reins.
"They’ve had a big 12-18 months under Colm. They’re contesting in the Leinster and All-Ireland series and they’ve to come to Galway, they’ve big games ahead and they’ve made massive strides."
