Rathnew are kings in Wicklow

WICKLOW SFC FINAL:

Rathnew 0-14 St. Patrick's, Wicklow Town 1-8

James Stafford was in superb form as Rathnew captured their 19th Wicklow SFC title courtesy of a three-point victory over St. Patrick's at Aughrim this afternoon.

In an end-to-end encounter, the large crowd present witnessed a tight affair played in excellent conditions, with St. Patrick's staging a stirring second half comeback to ensure the result was in doubt right until the finish.

Assisted by a stiff wind, Rathnew led by 0-5 to 0-2 after 18 minutes with key forward Tommy Gill claiming two early scores.

Midfielder Richie Murphy and Paul Earls kept St. Patrick's in touch, but Rathnew opened up a six-point gap for half-time - 0-9 to 0-3.

The Wicklow town side sprung into life on the restart thanks to a David Smullen goal.

Smullen rifled the ball past Rathnew goalkeeper Peter Dignam to give his side great confidence and they went on to cut the gap to two points.

However, Stafford settled Rathnew with an excellent midfield display for Harry Murphy's charges.

St. Patrick's had no answer as Rathnew moved three points ahead before claiming a deserved victory, after which Alan Clarke lifted the Miley Cup.