1965
Baltinglass Senior Championship 1965
Yet again St. Patrick's provided the opposition in the 1965 final. But they had to meet a second time as a thrilling first game ended level 1-6 each. This game had a great second half, especially in the final quarter when a rousing battle was raged which brought even neutral spectators to their toes. Near the finish, St. Patrick's drew level after being five points in arrears at one stage, and then both teams became locked in combat as they sought to gain the decisive score. Despite the toughness of the football, the sportsmanship was a credit to both teams.
Baltinglass led 1-3 to 0-3 at half time, the goal coming from Bobby Nolan. Baltinglass continued to force the play subsequently. Nolan was injured, moved to full forward and captain Johnny Kenny moved to the forty. Kenny pointed two frees, giving his side a comfortable five points lead. Willie Wall added another but Baltinglass failed to score during the remaining twenty-two minutes. A rather amazing goal from a low, bouncing shot improved Wicklow confidence and inspired more attacks. Concluding amazement for all saw Johnny Kenny, of all people, miss a fourteen yards free, his only mistake of the hour. But the replay was to prove that Johnny's error would not prove costly and the first steps on the way to the memorable three-in-a- row were yet to be taken.
Team: John Rogers, Jim O'Keeffe, Ken Browne, John Connell, Charlie Connell, Tom Scott, Pat Rogers, Tony Norton, Noel Scott, Andrew Buchanan, Bobby Nolan, Willie Wall, Bill Nolan, Johnny Kenny and Larry Norton.
Replay glory
For the 1965 final replay 4,000 people attended Aughrim, setting a new record for a county final. The previous best was in 1964 when Newtown defeated Baltinglass. Although the replay was less exciting than the drawn encounter, the big crowd saw a hard-fought game between two sporting sides. Baltinglass won 2-4 to 0-4. Baltinglass had a monopoly of the play in the early part of the second half but their forwards shot some very bad wides. Playing against the wind in the first half, Baltinglass stood firm and their defence was unyielding. St. Patricks led 0-3 to nil at the end of thirty minutes. But Baltinglass only took three minutes of the second half to go ahead with a Tony Norton goal and Willie Wall point. Further scores came from Andrew Buchanan who got a goal and a point, Wall and Bill Nolan. For the replay, Baltinglass fielded the same fifteen players, but Larry Norton and Andy Buchanan switched forward positions.