MOUNT LEINSTER RANGERS historic achievement in reaching the AIB All-Ireland senior club final has drawn huge praise from one of the country’s leading hurling managers.
Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has lavished praise on the south Carlow club, who last Saturday booked their place in Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day with victory in a pulsating semi-final against Loughgiel Shamrocks.
“It’s just an outstanding achievement. I would be absolutely delighted for them. A team from Carlow certainly wouldn’t be considered a team likely to be playing on St Patrick’s Day. They played in an All-Ireland intermediate club final and they are there now as Leinster club champions.
“Mount Leinster Rangers are an example of an outstanding club. I saw them during the year, my own club played a challenge against them. I was massively impressed by the quality of their hurling, the quality of their team play. I’m looking forward to see them.”
Cody believes there have been signals in recent years that Carlow’s hurling fortunes are improving.
“It’s been happening in Carlow. I remember talking about Dublin for a good few years. I often felt that people didn’t really agree with me that there was something going on.
“I’m not saying the same thing will be happening in Carlow from the point of view of population. But there has been great work going on there from coaching and development.
“I’ve been across there different times. I have absolutely no input whatsoever but you can be asked to go over and say something or present medals. There is a lovely promotion of the game going on.”
