After four games they sat unbeaten in third position following wins over London (at home) and against Waterford in Dungarvan, as well as draws in Belfast against Antrim and at home to Wicklow. Murphy received black cards in the dying stages of both the game against Waterford and against Wicklow, as he sought to preserve what Carlow held. Despite some positive results, an injury to star forward Paul Broderick in Belfast was to serve as a big blow to both their league and championship ambitions as he did not participate again for the rest of the season.