Despite having left half-forward Rory Dunbar dismissed, Carlow fought back to grab a 1-11 to 2-08 draw against Wicklow in today's opening game of the 2006 Christy Ring Cup.
Eoin Garvey's Barrowsiders, beaten semi-finalists in last year's competition, were on a revenge mission in Arklow as the hosts beat them in the League eleven weeks ago.
The sides were level on seven separate occasions in a game neither deserved to lose.
A terrific goal from full-forward John Keogh had Wicklow 1-04 to 0-06 in front at the interval.
The second half saw Dunbar dismissed and the home side, under new manager Brendan Cuddihy, bag a second goal through substitute Denis Moran.
But it was not enough as a Damien Roberts green flag and a late levelling point from substitute Barry Cox gave Carlow a share of the spoils.
In the other Group 2B tie, played in Tralee, a David Harney goal and a hatful of points from Billy White helped Kildare to a surprise 1-16 to 2-12 win over Kerry.
White hit 0-07 in the first half to help Kildare turn around with a 0-10 to 0-07 lead.
Skipper Michael Conway landed all bar one of Kerry's points in the opening period, but the Lilywhites were not to be denied.
