Down hurling manager Rónán Sheehan expressed frustration after his team's three-point loss to Carlow in round three of the Joe McDonagh Cup on Saturday in Ballycran.

Sheehan stated that a square ball goal decided the match. He called the refereeing performance unfair.

Carlow received ten scoreable frees while Down got three, according to Sheehan. He said consistency is essential in close games.

Sheehan pointed to an incident in the second half where a Carlow player struck Down's Liam Savage with a forearm. The Carlow player received a free, and Savage left the field.

Refereeing requires review like team performances, Sheehan said.

Sheehan praised his players' effort. He noted Carlow's goal just before half-time and Down's missed chance with Daithí Sands.