Powerful Baltinglass Land Wicklow Football Crown At The Expense Of Carnew

John McGrath Goal Proves Crucial As Baltinglass Win Their 24th County Title Crown

Wicklow County Senior Football Championship Final

Baltinglass 1-20 – Carnew 0-15

John McGrath's first half goal helped guide Baltinglass to their first Wicklow Senior Football Championship title since 2020, as they ended Carnew's dreams by 1-20 to 0-15 at Echelon park in Aughrim.

Baltinglass the favourites, built an early a four-point lead. Tommy Keogh and Mark Jackson added points for the eventual winners with Jackson landing six points, including a 45-yard free. 

Wexford man Ben Brosnan kept Carnew in contention with a two-pointer from a placed ball before McGrath's decisive green-flag for Baltinglass who led 1-13 to 0-9 at the break. 

Baltinglass Pull Away

Christopher Heaslip and Adam McHugh added points upon the resumption for the new champions.

Despite this Baltinglass had to cope with 14 players after Heaslip received a straight red card, while Carnew lost key man Brosnan to a black card for an off-the-ball incident.

However these were a mere footnote to the overall tale as Baltinglass pushed on to secure a comfortable victory in front of their vociferous and passionate support. 

Midfielder Jack Kirwan was named man of the match for the white and green. Baltinglass will now be added to the Miley Cup roll of honour for the 24th time in their storied history. 

For devastated Carnew, they must regroup before facing Bray Emmetts in the Wicklow Senior Hurling final next weekend.

**Carnew:** C Doyle; M Rock, J Howes, C Redmond; K Cullen, T Collins, D Redmond; J Doyle, P Doran (0-0-1); R Greene (0-0-1), B Brosnan (0-1-3, 1f, 1tpf), J Doyle (0-1-1, 1tp); E Kavanagh, C McCrea (0-0-2), S Murphy (0-1-1, 1tpf, 1 45).

**Subs:** P McGing, Owen Young, F Darcy, C Behan, J Doyle

**Baltinglass:** M Jackson (0-0-6, 2f, 1 45); C Doody, A Danne, K Furlong; J Flemming, S Doody, Pat Burke; P Whelan, J Kirwan (0-0-1); T Burke (0-0-1), J Keogh, C Heaslip (0-0-1); J McGrath (1-0-2), T Keogh (0-0-6, 3f), A McHugh (0-0-2)

**Subs:** J Kennedy, S Heaslip, P Kirwan, J Stead, J Bookle