The defeat means Down are still in relegation trouble heading into the final round of games. But a final day win over bottom Kerry would guarantee their safety.

Foley hit his brace inside the the opening eight minutes, moving the Barrowsiders into a 2-2 to 0-1 lead, before Paul Braniff netted for Down on 14 minutes.

2-8 to 1-4 ahead at half-time, Carlow finished off a flowing move with a third goal - Paddy Kehoe the scorer.

Frustration was clearly getting the better of Down and Ciaran Coulter was given a straight red card for lashing out at an opponent.

There was a fragmented end to the game as Simon Wilson and Alan Higgins picked up yellow cards, and Braniff's second goal for the Mourne men mattered little with Carlow in a comfortable lead.