Carlow completed a crowning comeback to steal victory late on by 0-17 to 1-13 as Wicklow were sucker-punched in the sides’ opening Talteann Cup match.

In a closely fought half that ebbed and flowed, Eoin Darcy fired the first point over for Wicklow but Darragh’s Foley two-minute brace of free’s nudged Carlow in front with ten minutes played.

Goalkeeper Mark Jackson, Foley and Darcy then each exchanged points but parity was restored at four points each, Conor Doyle and Cillian McDonald the latest to add their names to the scorers.

With ten minutes to go until the break, Ross Dunphy struck twice but Darcy, with his third and Jackson, his second, restored parity as the sides both went in 0-6 at half time.

Conor Fee, on as a substitute, appeared to be an inspired change for the hosts as his quickfire two points edged them 0-8 to 0-6 ahead.

Dunphy and Jackson exchanged their third points respectively as Carlow gamely chased down Wicklow on the scoreboard.

Jonah Dunne, Joe Prendergast, Dunphy, Fee and Colm Hulton all exchanging points before Fee’s fourth successful effort restored Wicklow’s two-point lead.

That was momentum they further monopolised with the game’s only goal, Darcy applying the finish to a swift, excellently smooth passing move from Johnny Keogh’s layoff.

Although Carlow now trailed by six, they rolled up their sleeves admirably and led by talisman Foley, marched right back into contention.

An insane four-minute patch of Foley wizardry took his tally to six points and the visitors to within striking range with five additional minutes on the horizon.

And just entering those, they got a big boost when Wicklow defender Patrick O’keane saw the black card, Foley firing over his seventh point from the free as it went 1-13 to 0-14.

Momentum had shifted entirely to Carlow and Shane Clarke struck a peerless point to heave them level.

Not content with that, they confirmed a crowning comeback when substitute Aaron Amond was accurate, his shot flying over the bar they needed to steal a thoroughly entertaining opening win in their Tailteann Cup campaign.