Ballinkillen made a dream start to their 2026 JJ Kavanagh Carlow Senior Hurling Championship campaign with a 1-27 to 2-16 victory over last year’s runners-up St Mullins at McGrath Park on Sunday.
The fixture had been postponed by 48 hours following the passing of Colm English, father of Ballinkillen player Eric English, with the game taking on added significance for the club.
English produced an outstanding display from wing-back, contributing four points as Ballinkillen secured an impressive eight-point victory.
Speaking to KCLR after the match, an emotional English paid tribute to his teammates for the support they showed him and his family throughout the past week.
“It was a tough week but I am blessed with the Ballinkillen boys. There was 40 of them at the wake, and same again at the graveyard, and texting me throughout the week.
“I am just happy we could just come here today and play. I would say that’s what he would have wanted.
“He would be happy looking down on it. We are delighted to get the win and probably had a bit of help from above.”
The result sees Ballinkillen make an ideal start to their championship campaign, while St Mullins will look to bounce back in the coming rounds after last season’s run to the county final.
Elsewhere over the opening weekend of the championship, Bagenalstown Gaels got their campaign off to a winning start on Saturday, while defending champions Mount Leinster Rangers also opened with victory to underline their status as one of the teams to beat once again.
