Hats off to Carlow goalkeeper for his ultra-relaxed preparation for Monaghan clash

Craig Kearney is not the first intercounty player to work on the day of a big match - but surely none has ever done so in such a public setting.

Farmers and other self-employed players often have no choice but to do a few hours on the morning of a big game, but they can usually keep themselves out of the public eye. No such luxury for Carlow goalkeeper Craig Kearney, who was this afternoon working a shift in Arthur's SuperValu in Sandhills - selling tickets for Saturday evening's match where he will be the last line of defence in Netwatch Dr Cullen Park. Contemplating the prospect of Conor McManus bearing down on his goal would be enough to occupy some minds but Craig reportedly told shoppers that he would rather be working than waiting around. The Palatine clubman is photographed below with his boss Nicky Parle - who is the Palatine chairman. https://twitter.com/Istanbulos05/status/886184469517959168 Carlow have garnered a lot of love from neutrals as they rumble through the Championship. First they shocked Wexford at home before making the short trip to Portlaoise, where they gave the Dubs a proper scare. https://twitter.com/SportsJOE_GAA/status/883712845048885248 In the qualifiers they have accounted for London and Leitrim to date, but the Farney men are a different prospect altogether. If the Carlow custodian is concerned about Jack McCarron, McManus and the rest of the Monaghan attack he was hiding it well as he doled out tickets to supporters. Due to finish his shift at 5pm, Craig would make the short trip to Netwatch Dr Cullen Park to begin his preparations. Not sure what Jim McGuinness would make of it all. Thanks to Mousie for sending this our way. If you have any pieces of content you'd like to share with us, hit us up on Facebook or Twitter or send us an email at editorial@SportsJOE.ie.