Main pic: Jonny Carlin with parents, Declan and Shauna, after the 2023 Wicklow Intermediate County Final.
A talented young Donegal-born footballer bagged a goal on his intercounty debut with his adopted Wicklow during the week.
Jonny Carlin put away a first half penalty against Wexford in the O’Byrne Cup on Tuesday night.
The conversion by the former Red Hughs man gave his side, managed by Oisín McConville, a 1-4 to 0-4 lead.
However, Wexford upped a gear and ran out impressive winners on a scoreline of 4-15 to 2-12 at the Ferns Centre of Excellence.
Carlin currently plays for Barndarrig in Wicklow and scored an injury time penalty to help them secure the Wicklow Intermediate Championship back in October. The decider was played one year to the day from rupturing his ACL. He was also awarded The Man of The Match trophy for his performance. Carlin is also believed to have caught the eye of new Donegal boss Jim McGuinness’ selectors.
Indeed, Carlin is no stranger when it comes to dramatic goals. He landed a peach at the tail end of the 2018 Ulster Junior Final when Red Hughs overcame Limavady Wolfhounds.
Of course, he comes from good sporting stock. His mother Shauna was an elite athlete with the Finn Valley AC and competed for Ireland while father Declan was a key member of the famous Red Hughs side of the early 1990s. His uncle, Marty, also starred for Donegal in the late 80s.