JOE IS A HIT FOR SIX

Tracey: This competition's really Cup & running now

- KARL O'KANE

YEAR six of the Joe McDonagh Cup and Carlow goalkeeper Brian Tracey says it feels like the competition has really arrived.

Carlow's second triumph - they landed the inaugural title in 2018-had the hurling world buzzing after a thrilling Croke Park decider against Offaly, which went to extratime.

And the shot at a home preliminary All-Ireland quarterfinal against one of the Liam MacCarthy Cup sides still stands as a serious carrot to the winners.

Dr Cullen Park is likely to be hopping for the visit of Dublin this evening - and the prospect of a rare giant killing act in the modern day game.