Sun Jul 30 - Junior A Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 1-24 Wexford 0-11

Tipperary and Wexford both entered Sunday afternoon’s game with secured semi-finals berths. Tipperary have proven to be quite strong all summer and cemented their position at the top of the Junior A Hurling table with another impressive performance.

The first ten minutes was an open-affair, with some fine scores and hard tackles from both sides. Russell Quirke and Sean Stafford showed well inside for Tipperary, benefitting from the hard work of Kieran Lowrey in the middle of the field. Wexford goalkeeper Colm Kearns was put to the test on several occasions and pulled out a few great saves to keep a clean sheet for the first half.

Tipperary’s half back line of Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, and Patrick Moriarty were quick to break apart any Wexford attacks through the middle. John Joe O’Neill and Jason Foley worked hard in midfield for Wexford as the sides went into the break with Tipperary nine points ahead.

The Wexford backline tightened up in the second half with Eddie Murphy and John Taggart turning over several Tipperary charges into the Wexford half. A scuffle in front of the Wexford goal resulted in Tipperary corner forward Russell Quirke and Wexford goalkeeper Colm Kearns both being shown yellow cards.

Halfway through the second half corner forward Russell Quirke hit the back of the Wexford net and Sean Stafford went on to add another point to the scoreboard for Tipperary. Tipperary continued to prove too strong as the Brighton-based Wexford forwards struggled to create scoring chances from their possessions.

Tensions were high towards the end of the game and Patrick Moriarty picked up a red card for a high tackle. A few more Tipperary scores came before the final whistle and after sixty minutes, it was another convincing win for Tipperary in this year’s Junior A Hurling Championship. 

Tipperary: Sean Delaney, Cathal Madden, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Cronan Dempsey, Patrick Moriarty, Simon Kennedy, Kieran Lowrey, Joe O’Sullivan, Timmy Maher, Dylan Nyland, Russell Quirke, Sean Stafford

Wexford: Colm Kearns, Tom Davey, Peter Herlihy, John Taggart, Eddie Murphy, Greg Lundy, Jason Foley, John Joe O’Neill, Peter Ryan, Eoghan Kavanagh, Tom Delaney, Craig Burke, Jamie Kehoe

By Aisling Kerr

Sun July 16 - Junior A Hurling: Galway v Wexford

Wexford 2-14 Galway 1-16

In the battle of Brighton rivals it was Wexford who came away with a one point win following an exciting second half of hurling.  Trailing by 5 at the break, a Jamie Kehoe goal early in the second half brought Wexford back into the game, and the Slaneysiders pressed home the momentum to snatch a one point win in the end.

Eddie Murphy helped lift Wexford in the second half.

At the end of the first 30 minutes with was Galway five points to the good.   In the goals column it was the Tribesmen who struck first.  A goal from Mick Moylan put Galway in command.  Wexford pulled it back shortly afterwards, however, with a goal from Craig Burke.  Galway on top in the points column however.  Trevor Lee was the main marksman for the tribesmen, with Eudan Feeney  hitting the frees.  Wexford got contributions on the scoreboard from Tom Moloney and Jamie Kehoe, and it was Galway on top at the break, 1-10 to 1-5.

The second half saw Wexford lift their efforts.  A goal about 5 minutes after the restart Wexford were right back in it after Jamie Kehoe netted from close range.  Jigger drove the shot into the roof of the net from an angle about 21 yards out.  Wexford’s back line did a better job closing down the Galway forwards, while Eddie Murphy, who lined out at corner back, moved into a more advanced position and proved to be effective. 

Loose Ball: PJ O'Neill (Wex) and Dan O'Leary (Gal) size up their chances.

With Tom Moloney motoring well in the middle of the field points came from Kehoe, JJ O’Neill, and Moloney.  Seamus Loftus did well for Galway at the back, and was Trevor Lee who was still the main producer on the scoreboard.  Lee’s shooting kept Galway in the game with a handful of well taken scores, and it was tit for tat coming down the stretch.  The teams were level on two occasions over the final 10 minutes and the game could have gone to either side.  It was Wexford who claimed the spoils.  After Kehoe leveled the scores with time up, it was PJ O’Neill who put the winning score over the bar.  A satisfying win for Wexford to earn 2 points. 

Galway:  Ray Grealish, Seamus Loftus, David Lynch, Michael Lennon, Cian Clifford, Aidan Murphy, Dan O’Leary, Paul Dyre, Trevor Lee, David Lordan, Eodan Feeney, Mick Moylan, Shane Hayes.

Wexford: Colm Kerins, Eddy Murphy, Jack O’Hagon, John Taggert, Dennis Brennan, Nick Cannell, Greg Lundy, Jamie Kehoe, PJ O’Neill, Tom Maloney, JJ O’Neill, Craig Burke, Jamie Kehoe.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 2 - Junior A Hurling: Offaly v Wexford

Offaly 2-22 Wexford 1-11

Offaly added another in the win column on Sunday against Wexford.  The first half was well contested as there was not much between the teams, but the second half was a rout as Offaly picked off the points ended up winners by double scores.

Jack O'Hagen clears for Wexford.

Offaly went in at the end of a tough 30 minutes of hurling, that featured a fairly major scuffle at the end, with a 3 point lead.  Colm Kerins used his strength to break a tackle and netted just after the throw-in to get Wexford off to a great start.  Offaly then started to put the points over the bar.  Sean Dunne, Rory Sludds, Tommy Rigney, and Stephen Brown each pointed, and Offaly looked to have a decided edge in the balance of play.

Wexford came back into the game after a nice point from PJ O’Neill following a great fetch.  Peter Herlihey added another and the game was tied.  With half time approaching and the game tied, Offaly hit with a goal.  It came in similar fashion to Wexford’s.  Stephen Brown won the ball on the edge of the small square and forced the ball over the line.  Shortly afterwards came the aforementioned schmozzle,, and a red was issued to a player from each side.  Things calmed down with the half time whistle.

After the restart it was all Offaly, the additional room on the field seemed to suit them more than Wexford.  The first 15 minutes saw the Faithful county put seven points over the bar, to one for Wexford, and Offaly seemed to have an extra man available to help out at the back.  Wexford struggled to make the openings, while the scores came so much easier for Offaly.

Offaly always seemed to have the extra player.

Jimmy Rigney pointed three times on the trot, foraging forward from his center back position, while subsititutes Alan Maher and Stephen Halissey also provided fresh legs as the heat began to take its toll, and contributed on the scoreboard.  Each Offaly point was another cut to Wexford’s confidence, though the Slaneysiders did get a good contribution from Ben Cowman after he entered play from the line.  Cowman accounted for 2 well taken points.

After Maher added a second goal for Offaly it was a matter of playing out the last 10 minutes.  Offaly two for two in the championship, while Wexford are looking for their first win.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Rian Dempsey, Alan Bergin, Jack Murray, James Rigney, Tommy Rigney, Rory Sludds, Adrian Cleary, Brian Hannan, Robbie Croft, Andy McRedmond, Sean Dunne, Stephen Brown.

Wexford:  Tom Moloney, Eddie Murphy, Tom Davey, John Taggert, Denis Brennan, Jack O’Hagen, Greg Lundy, Craig Burke, Peter Herlihey, Sam Lenihan, Jason Foley, PJ O’Neill, Colm Kerins.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Wexford

Wexford 1-19 Tipperary 2-15

Another exciting senior hurling match was played between Wexford and Tipperary, with Wexford just about pulling off a one point victory.  Brendan Phelan was tremendous for Wexford at center back, while Shane Ryan was key in the forward line.  It was hearts in mouths all the way to the final whistle as Wexford managed to get their noses ahead in the final minutes, and repelled the defending champions’ late attacks to see themselves over the line.

Rory Sludds looks to get the ball in hand.

A Tipp goal was the difference between the teams at the break, it came from the stick of Mark Kavanagh half way through the period.  The sides were level on four points each, Rory Sludds, Eoin Kavanagh, Shane Ryan and Jamie Kehoe the Wexford scorers.  Tipperary’s marksmen were Jason Bergin, Liam Maloney, and Cronan Dempsey.  Wexford absorbed the pressure playing against the stiff wind, and Brendan Phelan was a busy man at center back for the Slaneysiders.  Tipp looked like they were building on the goal as the backs and midfielders sprayed the ball into the corner forwards with Kavanagh and Maloney capitalizing.  Wexford finished the half well however, Shane Ryan did a good job from the frees for Wexford, and a late point from Kieran O’Dea left it a Tipp two point lead at the break, 1-8 to 0-9.

Kevin McKiernan about to strike for Tipp.

Wexford got the goal back through a Jason Bergin strike, a score that leveled the game.  Wexford added two more points thereafter, both from Ryan, and Wexford were in the lead and with that wind.  Things looked favourable for them.  Tipp kept up the pressure, however.  Mark Kavanagh moved to a half forward role from the corner and his ability to carry the ball helped Tipp greatly, as they had to against the wind.  Tipp netted another goal, Cronan Dempsey got the better of Darragh O’Callaghan as both challenged for a high ball into the box from Moloney  - the ball found the back of the net to put Tipp back into a one point lead.

 

Wexford made use of the breeze, however, and their half backs did well under the hanging ball to gobble it up and send it back.  Ryan converted two frees, and a third from play, and Eoin Kavanagh put a long range effort over from distance out on the wing.  Tipp , though kept pace with scores from Moriarty, Kavanagh, and Colm Fitzgerald as the Premier men continued to work hard.  With the game winding down it was even scores with Wexford 1-17 and Tipp 2-14.  Wexford broke the deadlock with Conor Sheehan putting the go ahead score over the bar followed by another from a Ryan free.  Tipp managed a late Bergin point from a free, but there was no time for another effort and Wexford get off the mark with two early championship points.

Wexford:  D. O’Callaghan, G. Murphy, J. McCarty, T. Maloney, B. Phelan, D. Guinan, J. Kehoe, C. Sheehan, E. Kavanagh, K. O’Dea, R. Sludds, S. Ryan, D. Walsh.  Tipp:  J. Maher, S. McGarr, C. Neville, J. White, S. Nally, A. Ryan, C. Dempsey, K. McKiernan, J. Bergin, P. Moriarty, L. Maloney, E. Moriarty, M. Kavanagh.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sheehan Cup Semi-Final: Wexford v Tipperary

Tipperary 3-14 Wexford 3-16

Wexford, who fielded 2 American born players in their starting lineup, earned a place in the Sheehan Cup final after a close encounter with a good looking Tipperary side.  The game ebbed and flowed and could have gone either way, but it was Wexford who finished with back to back points to seal the deal in the final minutes.

Wexford and Tipp played a well contested game Sunday.

The first 30 minutes were entertaining.  There was some good hurling from both sides, and some well taken scores.  Liam Moloney, lining out at center forward for Tipperary had a first half haul of 5 points from frees, while his Wexford counterpart, Shane Ryan accounted for three points from long range frees.  Mark Kavanagh and Sean Nally looked strong for Tipperary at wing forward and midfield respectively - Kavanagh pointed well from out on the wing on two occasions - though Moloney was Tipps big dangerman when on the ball.  Wexford were a match for their opponents and played the ball well.  With the teams tied at 6 points each Dan Sweatland took advantage of a rebound off the keeper and netted from just outside the small square for Wexford.  The goal was soon erased, Eoin Moriarty was on hand to double a rebound from a good save by keeper Dara O’Callaghan into the Wexford net.  Tipp could have added to their tally, but efforts at goal, rather than taking the points, from close range frees went for naught, and Moloney put the last two over the bar to put Tipp into a 1-8 to 1-7 half time lead.  Those frees were to prove costly in the end.

Brendan Phelan was effective after being introduced
in the second half.

The second half was just as close as the first.  Tipp added to their lead soon after the restart with points from Moloney and Eoin Moriarty, however Wexford, who just introduced Brendan Phelan and Kieran O’Dea to the fray, opened up a chink of daylight between themselves and their opponents, although the game was always in the balance.  The Wexford back line did a good job absorbing balls played into their direction, and with a lot of scoring options in their forward line looked like they may just hold the slight edge in the end. 

It was a Jamie Keogh goal half way in that set the platform.  Keogh’s low shot slipped under James Maher and into the net, turning a 2 point Tipp lead into a one point Wexford advantage.  Conor Sheehan and O’Dea added points and a goal stood between the sides and Wexford now had a lead to work with.  Tipperary managed to level matters with a Sean Delaney drive into the back of the net, but it was immediately canceled out by a goal strike from substitute Michael Orpen, just 10 seconds between the scores.  Wexford had added another point when Tipperary won a penalty after Sean Nally was pulled down, and it was dispatched with little fuss by Moloney.  Wexford were hanging on to their lead and ended well with points from Sean Delaney and Sweatland to see themselves into the final against Fr. Tom Burke’s.

Tipp:  J. Maher, S. McGarr, C. Neville, P. Moriarty, J. White, S. Fortune, C. Dempsey, S. Nally, M. Moriarty, L. Moloney, M. Kavanagh, S, Delaney, E. Moriarty.  Wexford:  D. O’Callaghan, J. McCarthy, D. Walsh, G. Lundy, T. Moloney, S. Ryan, J. Kehoe, E. Flaherty, D. Sweatland, E. Kavanagh, R. Sludds, D. Binden, K. Joyce.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior Hurling Final: Wexford v Fr. Tom Burke's

Wexford 3-12 Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-8

Wexford captured the Eddie Treacy Cup in a tremendously exciting junior A hurling final.  Wexford deserved the win in the end, who got a brilliant performance from Dominic Magill at center back.  Magill had just played 60 minutes of a junior B football final and rolled back the years.  Fellow veteran Peter Ryan had a fine game at center forward, though Tom’s could have stolen the game as with 4 minutes to go it was all square.  Wexford, however, netted a goal and two points in those final minutes and will be the Boston Northeast representatives at next weekend’s NACB finals in Chicago.

Wexford junior hurlers  celebrate three in a row.

It was Wexford doing all the scoring in the opening quarter of the game.  With 15 minutes gone it was a 1-3 to no score Wexford lead.  Peter Ryan at center forward was central to much of the positive things happening for Wexford.  Ryan pointed the first score, and for the goal did well to find Colm Kerins and take the return pass to kick the ball into the net.  His fellow club veteran, Dominic Magill also did well at center back, and accounted for a point from a 65.  Michael Collins in the middle of the field accounted for the third point.

Fr. Tom's Junior Hurlers almost staged a comeback in the final.

James Dooley was in great form at corner back for Tom’s and on several occasions sent incoming fire back in the opposite direction.  Tom’s had a handful of wides early on, and eventually, in the 17^th minute were rewarded with a goal after Ciaran Moore got a second bite at the cherry from inside the box and made no mistake.  Chris O’Donoghue sent two fine efforts over the bar and Tom’s were well off the mark.  With Collins playing well in midfield Wexford kept in the ascendancy and again racked up three unanswered points from Magill, Jason Foley and Collins himself.  At the break it was a 1-7 to 1-3 Wexford lead, with Tom’s hanging in.

The second half had the crowd on their feet for the final 10 minutes.  Tom’s had kept it close and with the clock ticking there was just a goal between the teams.  Tom’s picked up their performance for the second period and after 5 minutes had the gap down to a point after scores from Higgins, Alan Camon, and a Moore free.  Wexford were under pressure as Tom’s were on the verge of turning the game on its head.

Wexford found their feet again, and in large part thanks to the performance of Magill.  The Lavey man was not only in the right place at the right time, but his delivery into the forward line was quality.  Kevin Joyce and Kerins brought Wexford three points to the good again, and after Kerins was pulled down in the box a chance to really deliver a blow was there for the Slaneysiders.  Denis Brennan’s powerful shot was a foot too high though and the lead was four. 

Coming into the stretch Wexford held on to the one goal lead. Tom’s had scored the odd one of three, and crowd were on their feet in anticipation of a grandstand finish as Tom’s kept up the pressure on the Wexford defence.  Eventually the breakthrough was made after a long free was dropped into the box a Tom’s stick got a touch and it was all square with 4 minutes to go.  Declan Bindon had an immediate answer for Wexford however.  From the puckout Peter Ryan won possession and delivered the pass for Bindon to finish and wind that had filled Tom’s sails proved to be a only a gust.  Two more Wexford points ensured that the Brighton based club would celebrate its third junior championship victory in a row.

Wexford:  G. McGovern, P. Breen, J. Taggart, D. Magill, G. Lundy, J. Foley, M. Collins, C. Kerins, P. Ryan, D. Bindon, B. Dalton, K. Joyce.  Tom’s:  K. Flynn, J. Dooley, T. Doran, S. O’Brien, S. Higgins, D. Burke, P. O’Sullivan, J. Costello, C. O’Donoghue, J. Dowling, G. Kelly, C. Moore, A. Camon.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior hurling: Tipperary v Wexford

Wexford 1-14 Tipperary3-24

With Tipp in the final there was little to play for, but for Wexford a result might see them into a semi-final and avoid a possible play off against Galway.  As it turned out Wexford hung with their opponents for the first half, but in the second the Premier men pulled away and left Wexford waiting on the result of the Galway versus Fr. Tom’s game to determine their fate.  As it turned out, Galway knew what they had to do and got the job done by taking a point against Tom’s, and ending Wexford’s senior hurling season.

Rory Sludds clears from wing back.

At half time Tipp held a 2-8 to 1-9 lead.  Tipp had the edge early on.  Rory Sludds and David Dunne traded goals early, while for Tipp the scores were spread across the half forward line.  Adrian and Dan Morrissey, (no relations), put four points over the bar between them, while at corner forward David Reidy chipped in with a brace.  Wexford kept pace thanks to some nicely taken points by Barry Carton and Conor Murray, however a Reidy goal 5 minutes before the break put Tipp further ahead just as Wexford were making up some ground.

Tipperary turned the screw in the second half and mid-way through felt comfortable enough to start bringing on the subs.  Russell Quirke and John Roche entered the fray and each player helped themselves to a couple of points.  It was a third Tipp goal from Reidy that really killed the game.  Willie Egan had put a fine point over the bar from under the small stand before the goal.  DJ Foran responded with a point for Wexford, but that would be the last score for the Slaneysiders for some time.

Conor Murray does the same for Wexford.

Eight unanswered points sailed over the bar in the run in to the final whistle.  Two were back to back 65’s from Adrian Morrissey, and the others came from the subs.  It could have been worse, Nevin Rossiter pulled off two fantastic saves.  The first from Mike Ryan, and the second off the rebound from Alan Dempsey.  With the result in the bag, things for a little nasty in the latter stages and Ger Hoey had to show some yellow cards.  Tipperary roll on to the final where it will either be Galway or Tom’s providing the opposition.

Wexford:  N. Rossiter, K. Keyes, C. Robinson, T. Moloney, J. Desmond, C. Murray, J. Kehoe, DJ Foran, D. Walshe, E. Flaherty, B. Carton, E. Kavanagh, D. Dunne.  Tipp:  C. Hennesssy, D. Mahoney, S. McGarr, J. Rigney, W. Egan, R. Sludds, S. Molumphy, C. Dempsey, A. Morrissey, D. Morisssey, A. Dempsey, M. Ryan, D. Reidy.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Aug 9 - Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Wexford

Fr. Tom Burkes 4-16 Wexford 2-10

Saturday afternoon decided things at both ends of the senior hurling championship.  Fr. Tom’s finished top of the table and have a week off before the final, while Wexford were eliminated with four points from their six games.  Tom’s were on top in all areas of the field for most of the game and built on an eight point first half lead to ensure a place in the final for the first time since 2005.

Michael O'Regan and Wexford made a big effort

A Peter Ryan goal mid way through the first half kept the game close.  Ryan got on the end of a high ball to the edge of the small square and sneaked it past an unsighted Alan Keating.  The goal reduced a four point gap to one.  Zane Keenan was split the uprights with impeccable free taking on four occasions, while David O’Mahoney and Ian McDonald accounted for two other scores.  Wexford’s Jamie Kehoe converted two chances for his side.

Tom’s pressed on from that point of the game.  O’Mahoney in midfield had a knack for being in the right place at the right time and set up Shane Howley for the leveling score.  Tom’s then hit with two goals.  Oisin Burke finished a fine individual effort, and Joey Fitzpatrick finished off the job after Ed Spruhan had saved his initial effort.  Tom’s could afford a handful of wides before the beak to lead by double scores, 2-10 to 1-5.

Zane Keenan and Tom's were on the mark Saturday.

A Tom’s goal to start the second half from the smooth as silk Keenan dismissed notions of a Wexford comeback.  It was followed by four unanswered points, two of which were fantastic sideline cuts from under the press box, and the writing was on the wall for Wexford.  Wexford put back to back scores together from Keogh and Mark Mansfield, but center back Michael O’Regan was sent off for a challenge that left Howley in some evident discomfort.

That was it as a game.  Tom’s went on the finish the job in cruise mode and even had the good fortune of a fourth goal that seemed to be aimed as a point but landed in the top corner of the goal.  Delight for Tom’s who have a big weekend in store in a fortnight’s time with the junior and senior teams contesting finals.

Tom’s:  A. Keating, G. Joyce, P. Heneghan, D. Costello, C. Joyce-Power, S. Higgins, N. O’Brien, D. O’Mahoney, S. Howley, I. McDonnell, O. Burke, Z. Keenan, J. Fitzpatrick.  Wexford:  E. Spruhan, M. Ryan, H. Wallace, C. Burke, M. O’Regan, T. Moloney, J. Kehoe, D. Redmond, P. O’Farrell, P. Ryan, M. Mansfield, T. Ryan, M. Moloney.

By Rory O'Donnell

June 16 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Wexford 2-11 Tipperary 1-19

Tipperary followed their Sheehan Cup win with another impressive performance in the opening senior hurling championship game.  An early goal set the tone as Tipp opened up a 10 point half time lead, and though Wexford battled back in the second half and hit the back of the net on two occasions, Tipp held firm and maintained a relatively comfortable distance between the teams.

Tipp manager Michael McGrath looks on
as a puckout is contested.

Tipp came out strong in the first 30 minutes.  While the forward line tallied a goal and 13 points, the back line held Wexford's attack in check.  In a game where every opportunity would count, Wexford missed scoring chances to keep the gap from growing as wide as it did and at the break faced a tall order.  David Butler netted a fine goal, and free taker Kieran Morris hit the mark with several frees.  The Tipp half back line kept it tight and kept Wexford to just 6 first half points.  At the break it was 1-13 to 0-6 in favour of the Premier men.

Wexford got themselves back into the game and forced Tipp to work hard in the second period.  The Slaneysiders narrowed the gap to two scores with a point from David Drake and a goal from Eoghan Kavanagh and it was game on again. The referee had to issue yellow cards to Peter Ryan and Kieran Morris as the temperature of the game heated up.  Wexford made every effort to carry the game to their opponents.  The Tipp back line had to work hard to harry and block as Wexford went in search of another score to narrow the gap, and eventually the pressure was relieved with points from Morris and Peadar Boran which put seven points between the teams with little time left on the clock.  Though the game was beyond them at that stage, Wexford kept up the pressure and found the net once more through Tony Murphy to provide some consolation.  A bright start for Tipp and an important early two points.

Wexford:  E. Spruhan, D. Redmond, J. Hoyne, J. Foley, P. Nolan, B. Dalton, J. Kehoe, T. Maloney, S. O'Brien, E. Kavanagh, T. Murphy, D. Drake, P. Kehoe.  Tipp:  J. Logue, M. Power, S. Staunton, G. Brennan, R. O'Donnell, A. McGrath, C. Dempsey, S. McGarr, E. Murphy, S. O'Connor, C. Flynn, K. Morris, D. Butler.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sheehan Cup First Round: Wexford v Fr. Tom Burke's

Wexford 2-10 Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-13


Wexford and Fr. Tom’s opened the Kieran Sheehan Cup competition with an entertaining game of hurling on Sunday afternoon. At the end of the first half it looked as if Tom’s had affairs in hand, but Wexford came back in the second to split the difference and earn a point.

Fr Tom's Cathal Egan is pursued by Dominic Magill.

Tom’s had the better of it in the first half as Wexford looked a little sluggish. Shane Howley opened the scoring for Tom’s, and Wexford popped over three points before Tom’s gained control of affairs. It began with a goal from Cathal Egan. Seamus Higgins shot was saved well by Ed Spruhan, and JJ O’Neill looked to clear the rebound but Higgins got his stick to the loose ball and it hot the roof of the net. The points began to flow for Tom’s from that point on. Cormac Joyce Power held the line at center back, and scores came from Howley and Egan. With Wexford on the ropes, Colm Kerins landed a goal that came from sheer determination, followed by a point and Wexford were back in it. At the break it was 1-9 to 1-5 in favour of Tom’s.

Wexford's Gags O'Connor is highest for this ball.

The second half saw Wexford continue to whittle down the deficit. The Slaneysiders were much more in the game, and center forward Kevin Sheerin played a big part in the comeback. Wexford were winning much more ball in critical areas and stunted the Tom’s attack. A goal from a penalty brought Wexford almost on level terms. Sheerin stepped up to take it and landed the ball into the back of the net. Back to back frees from Tom Moloney ended up putting Wexford into the lead, and Shane Howley answered with one for Tom’s to level matters before the final whistle sounded. Tom’s might be a little disappointed not to have taken both points, but on the overall balance of play a draw was a fair result.

Wexford:  E. Spruhan, P. Nolan, D. Redmond, B. Dalton, D. Magill, JJ O’Neill, T. Moloney, J. Kehoe, C. Kerins, K. Sheerin, G. O’Connor, P. Ryan, A. Cass.  Tom’s: D. Fox, S. O’Brien, J. Doran, P. Heneghan, CJ Power, D. Moore, P. McGrath, K. Moore, S. Howley, S. Higgins, D. Hession, C. Egan, T. Doran.

By Rory O'Donnell

Wexford Hurlers Win First NACB Junior Title

Final: Wexford 3-13 Na Fianna San Francisco 2-7

Action from the Junior A Final.

Wexford’s journey to their first junior hurling title was not without its bumps. At first it seemed as if the journey to San Francisco was all for nothing after the team was disqualified for showing up late on Saturday morning for an 8:00am start, but the Slaneysiders were given a reprieve and a game Sunday morning against Toronto. Wexford took their second chance and came away with a comfortable win by a score of 3-20 to 1-10. The Wexford boys then had to gather themselves for a 12:00 final against local side, Na Fianna. Wexford survived both battles to emerge victorious with a few players limping through the final stages of the final. Steven Corcoran was invaluable at corner forward, his speed an accuracy caused problems for Na Fianna, while at the back Peter Nolan, Denis Brennan, Ronan Shaughnessy and James Brennan were solid.

The first half of the final saw Wexford pull away into a lead that they retained for the rest of the game. Not that things were comfortable all the way through. Corcoran was the man to put the first few points over the bar, and a goal after 10 minutes settled Wexford. Na Fianna managed two points and when in attack looked dangerous if given the space. Wexford worked hard and showed composure when clearing from defence however. With the Boston side leading by 1-6 to 0-4 Na Fianna propelled themselves right back into the game with a goal from a ball down the middle and over the top. Andy Shore in goal got a stick to it but the ball ended up in the roof of the net. Wexford answered by finishing the half strongly and netted twice. The first came from Tony Murphy. Corcoran provided the assist, and a minute later put one away for himself. At the break Wexford looked to be in a commanding lead, 3-6 to 1-5.

Wexford Celebrate the NACB Junior A Hurling Championship.

The second half was not quite as comfortable for Wexford. Playing their second game in the space of three hours, there were a few players hobbling. Na Fianna enjoyed plenty of possession and on a few occasions threatened the Wexford goal. Wexford made good use of the outlets available in the forward line. Peter Ryan, Murphy, and Corcoran accounted for points to keep Wexford’s noses ahead. Mid-way through the half Na Fianna scrambled a goal to bring them within six points, but that was the last score of the game for them. Shore made one fine save and Wexford fell back to hassle and harry. With Wexford looking very tired Corcoran popped up for a beautiful score to give the Bostonside a boost. The game ended with Wexford points from Corcoran and Moloney to lift their first North American junior trophy.


Wexford: R. Leydon, P. Nolan, D. Brennan, R. Shaughnessy, A. Shore, J. Brennan, S. White, T. Moloney, D. Reddin, C. McArdle, P. McArdle, T. Murphy, S. Corcoran.


By Rory O'Donnell

NACB FINALS - SATURDAY UPDATE

There will be seven of the nine teams from the Boston Northeast Board in action tomorrow in the finals:
Senior Football:  Aidan McAnespies beat Sean Treacy's San Fran 3-8 to 0-6 in today's semi-final and will play Parnells Chicago in the final tomorrow.
Senior Hurling:  Galway defeated Vancouver 0-17 to 0-13 and will play Na Fianna San Fran in tomorrow's final.
Ladies Senior Football:  Tir na nOg will contest the Ladies Senior Football final with a bye.
Senior Camogie:  Eire Og will play St. Mary's Chicago in tomorrow's final.
Junior C Hurling:  Barley House Wolves play in tomorrow's final.


Sylvie Og Lennane under the ball for Galway.



Junior A Hurling:  Wexford get a second chance and will play their semifinal against Toronto at 8:00 tomorrow morning.  Should they win the final will be played later in the day.

All American Football:  The Boston All American team are in tomorrow's final thanks to a win over Chicago, 6-14 to 1-2.



Pre-game talk for the Wolves before their semi-final.



Rory O'Mahoney for the Wolves v Indy in the semi-final.



Ollie Guirke for Macs Junior B versus Pittsburgh.





Plunkett Kane for Macs versus Sean Treacy's.



Wexford Win First Junior Hurling Title

Junior Hurling Final


Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-12 Wexford 1-18

Wexford claimed their first ever junior hurling championship with relative ease on Friday night. The Slaneysiders never looked in danger throughout the 60 minutes and led from start to finish. Eoghan Kavanagh put in a man of the match performance at corner forward, while the Wexford back line held firm against anything the Tom’s could throw at them.

The Wexford Junior Hurlers Celebrate their first junior hurling title.

Wexford lorded it over the first 30 minutes of the game and held a nine-point lead at the break. Eoghan Kavanagh seemed like the unstoppable force at corner forward for Wexford. Kavanagh accounted for seven of Wexford’s first ten points, five of those from play. Wexford also had the measure of their opposing forward line. Tom’s forays forward often fell on barren ground and scores were hard to come by. Points came from John Cuddy 65’s and a great effort from CJ Power, but Tom’s were unable to penetrate the Wexford rearguard with any sustained degree of success. With about 20 minutes gone a goal came for Wexford. A free from well inside the Wexford half went long and into the Tom’s penalty area. The ball managed to avoid contact from boot or stick and ended up rolling into the back of the net. While Tom’s were having no luck, Wexford got the bounce of the ball when it was not needed. Tom’s managed a two well earned points from Eugene Cummins and CJ Power before the break to give themselves some measure of hope going into the second half.

Wexford Captain Peter Nolan is presented with the Cup by
Boston North East Board Chairman John Farrell.

Tom’s made a better first of things in the second half, however, eating into Wexford’s lead proved to be elusive. After Kavanagh extended Wexford’s lead a further two points, Tom’s tallied four points in a row and hopes were raised among the Tom’s faithful that a comeback could be on the cards. It did not materialize however. Wexford were too good and never allowed Tom’s to get closer than seven points. Kavanagh sprang into action again with two more points and Wexford shut up shop at the back. Jamie Kehoe and John Joe O’Neill controlled the middle of the field. Late in the game, with Tom’s needing a couple of goals to have a chance CJ Power created an opening but Matt O’Donnell in goals for Wexford was equal to the shot. A well deserved first for Wexford who can look forward to their first foray at junior level next weekend in San Francisco.

Tom’s: J. O’Halloran, M. Moore, L. Guinan, P. Staunton, C. O’Callaghan, J. Dowling, E. Cummins (0-2), B. Smith (0-1), J. O’Callaghan, C. J. Power (0-2), G. Madden, J. Cuddy (0-7), C. Moore. Sub: J. Dooley (0-1). Wexford: M. O’Donnell, T. Ryan, P. Nolan, D. Brennan, J. Brennan, R. O’Shaughnessy, J. Kehoe (1-3), JJ O’Neill (0-1), C. Keirns (0-1), P. Ryan (0-1), R. Leydon, E. Kavanagh (0-12), B. O’Shea.


By Rory O'Donnell

Galway Win First Senior Hurling Title in 10 Years

Wexford 1-10 Galway 1-11


Galway won their first senior hurling championship since 2001 amid scenes of jubilation. Mid-way through the season it appeared as if Galway were dead and buried, but the tribesmen were there for the last game and came out winners in an exciting and controversial finish. Conditions were less than ideal, but excitement was in no short supply. The game went to and fro, with the lead changing hands on several occasions. Wexford looked like they had the job done as they led by a point in injury time, but Galway dug it out in the end with an equalizing point from an Eoin Guinan free, followed by the winner with virtually the last puck of the game from Fintan O’Leary out on the wing.

Galway Captain Killian Murphy raises the cup.

Wexford got off to the better start. Two Tony Murphy frees and a Cathal Kenny point from play put Wexford into an early three points to no score lead. After Galway got themselves on the scoreboard with an Eoin Guinan free, Wexford goaled. Damien Kilmartin pulled off a great save but conceded a 14-yard free. Murphy took it with singular intent and buried the ball in the back of the net. Galway eventually began to play some good hurling and pulled themselves back into contention. With Kilmartin playing solidly in goal and the back line buckling down, the gap between the sides narrowed. Keith Killilea floated a ball into the box and Guinan fetched it cleanly, turned and billowed the net. The sides matched each other on the scoreboard for the remainder of the half. Wexford led by three points, 1-7 to 1-4.


Galway turned the deficit into a lead soon after the restart with points from Brown, Guinan, and Burke. The game settled into a stalemate where neither side could establish a clear advantage over the other, and with the advance rain from hurricane Irene arriving in Canton, the conditions did not lend themselves to good hurling. Galway enjoyed most of the possession and had Brennan, McCree, and Brown playing well, but the scores did not come for the tribesmen. Galway were guilty of failing to take advantage of the chances that came their way. Having played second fiddle, yet still in the game, Wexford saw that the chance to win it was still there and they grasped it.  Wexford soon leveled the scores and it was game on again. Cathal Kenny and Guinan traded points before Wexford went ahead through Tony Murphy after the Galway back line failed to clear their lines adequately. With time ticking away it increasingly looked as if Wexford would be the ones to inch it over the line.

There was a twist in the tail and a little bit of controversy before all was said and done. After missing a couple of chances late in the game, Eoin Guinan pointed a free from 30 yards to level things. With Wexford on the attack and searching for an opening for the winning score, Galway fought hard to clear their lines. The tribesmen eventually won the ball back and Brennan found O’Leary on the wing and the Corkman pointed from out on the wing to put Galway in the lead. Wexford looked like they might have had one last chance to level the scores. It appeared as if the whistle had gone for a free, but the referee signaled for full time, and with that Galway supporters and players burst into cenebration. The last time Galway won the championship the North American Finals were in San Francisco, and the tribesmen brought home the county championship. Ten years later the Brighton side have a chance to repeat the feat and we wish them the best of luck!

Wexford:  M. O’Donnell, G. Dunphy, G. Callnan, B. Dalton, A. Shore, D. Redmond, S. White, M. Molloy, D. Magill, J. Lyng, T. Murphy (1-3), S. Corcoran (0-4), C. Kenny (0-1).  Galway:  D. Kilmartin, K. Murphy, C. Woods, D. McMahon, A. Brennan, S. Linnane (0-1), N. McCree, G. Burke (0-1), K. Killilea, F. O’Leary (0-2), A. Callnan, S. Brown (0-3), E. Guinan (1-4).

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 31 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Wexford

Galway 2-17 Wexford 0-20


Galway finally broke their 2011 duck and won their first game in sensational fashion. It was a tense, exciting game as the ball moved quickly up and down the field and the lead changed hands on several occasions. Galway looked in danger of continuing their winless streak with less then 10 minutes to go as Wexford looked to be in the familiar position of controlling the game, but the tribesmen battled hard and a goal with seven minutes to go provided the drive to continue on and win the game.

Fintan O'Leary breaks away for Galway.

Galway opened the game in similar style to their last outing, with a goal in the first sequence of play from Stephen Brown who lined out at corner forward. Wexford began to play well, with Brian Dalton in flying form on the wing and Stephen White solid at center back. Tom Moloney, Dowling, and Andrew Shore quickly canceled out Galway’s goal with some well taken points. Wexford continued to enjoy the upper hand and Galway searched for answers. Some substitutions made early in the game appeared to change Galway’s fortunes for the better. Keith Killilea and Darragh Murray entered the fray in midfield and on the half forward line. Galway’s forwards began to find their range. Eoin Guinan, John Moylan, and Killilea got Galway back into the game and at the break the tribesmen led by a point, 1-8 to 0-10.

John Moylan in possession as Keith Killilea looks on.

The second half was a tremendously exciting affair with no more than a score between the sides at any stage. After Eoin Guinan put Galway two points up, Wexford drew level through the ever dangerous Dowling and Shore. The sides traded points and then the lead changed hands with two booming Andrew Shore points from half way line. Cathal Kenny followed with a point and Wexford looked like they might have won control of the game and pull away. Galway were desperate for the win and kept pushing on the door and eventually it opened. Fintan O’Leary pointed and with about seven minutes left, Killilea got on the end of a long Killian Murphy clearance to blast the ball past Ger Griffey in the Wexford goal and Galway were on top by a point. Galway were not out of the woods as there were still seven minutes to go, but the westerners followed with two points to lead by a goal. Each point that went over the bar in Galway’s favour was greeted with the loud cheers of the many Galway supporters who appeared to be in the majority. Wexford tried to regain the initiative, but Galway’s tails were up and by that stage Wexford could not match their intensity. Scenes of joy from Galway at the end to to finally win a game. The win puts Galway and Tipperary on level footing in the table, though Tipp have two more games to play to one for Galway.

Galway: D. Kilmartin, M. Malone, K. Murphy, C. Woods, A. Brennan, E. O’Mahoney, N. McCree, S. Lennane, P. Guinan, F. O’Leary (0-4), E. Guinan (0-8), J. Moylan (0-3), S. Brown (1-1). Sub: K. Killilea (1-1) Wexford: G. Griffey, D. Redmond, J. Lyng, B. Dalton (0-1), S. White (0-2), G. Callnan, M. Molloy (0-1), T. Moloney (0-1), B. Dowling (0-4), A. Shore (0-5), G. O’Connor, T. Murphy, C. Kenny (0-5). Sub: J. Hetherton (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 24 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Fr. Tom Burke's

Fr. Tom Burke’s 1-9 Wexford 0-14


Tom’s and Wexford played a dogged affair with Wexford doing enough to hold off a stiff Tom’s challenge. Wexford looked to be comfortably ahead at the break, but Tom’s came fighting back in the second half and made it interesting towards the end. Certainly not a classic, but with the result Wexford set themselves apart from the rest of the field.

Wexford had the edge on Tom's in the first half.

It was a scrappy first half. After the sides traded scores to get things going, Wexford pulled away with some effective hurling. Tom’s did have some goal-scoring chances. A penalty that was taken by Camin Morey was saved, and shortly afterwards Tom’s had another goal chance but again Wexford’s last line of defence held up. Wexford, for their part, kept the scoreboard ticking over. Joe Lyng did well at center back, and points came from Mark Molloy, Brian Dowling, Gearoid O’Connor, and John Heatherton. Tommy O’Brien and Andrew Collier pointed for Tom’s to keep them in shouting distance. Each side was fortunate not to have players dismissed following a flare up in the Tom’s goalmouth that threatened to get out of hand. Yellow cards were shown to players from each side and things settled down.

The second half continued to be a disjointed affair with neither side finding any kind of rhythm or flow to their game. Tom’s wasted several scoring opportunities by either overplaying the ball or going for goal rather than the surer option. Wexford also missed several chances to extend their lead. Camin Morey pointed twice to get things going for Tom’s, while Stephen White and John Heatherton pointed for Wexford. Both sides hit several wides each before Tom’s hit with a goal. Trevor Kelly got behind the defence and his shot bounced once before hitting the back of the net. Tom’s were back in it, but Wexford did enough to hold off the challenge. Brian Dowling knocked three points over the bar as Tom’s continued to try to get the ball into Camin Morey who was well marshaled by the Wexford back line. Wexford now alone on top of the table.


Tom’s:  J. Grealish, E. Glynn, S. O’Brien, B. Harding, S. Higgins, P. Heneghan, T. Kelly, G. Hennelly, A. Collier, T. O’Brien, F. Keenan, S. Coen, C. Morey.  Wexford:  G. Griffey, D. Redmond, G. Dunphy, B. Dalton, J. Lyng, S. White, M. Molloy, P. Dowling, G. O’Connor, A. Shore, B. Dowling, T. Murphy, J. Heatherton.
 
By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 10 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Tipperary

Wexford 3-17 Tipperary 1-18


With the first half of the senior hurling championship played, Wexford have established themselves as the team to beat with a win over Tipperary. Wexford opened an eight point lead in the first half, but Tipp pulled it back to less than a score late in the second only for Wexford to finish the game with three points on the trot.

Wexford scored an impressive win over Tipperary on Sunday.

Wexford took the break with an eight point lead. Playing at center forward, Andrew Shore played a big part in Wexford’s advantage while Tony Murphy and Cathal Kenny put some tidy scores over the bar. Tipp hung with Wexford for most of the half, but then came the goals, two in the final five minutes. Both came from the stick of Tony Murphy. The first came after Murphy was played through by Brian Dowling and Murphy put the ball into the far corner. Murphy was through in an almost identical situation a few minutes beforehand, and Sean Delaney saved well on the near post. The second came from a 21-yard free. Murphy stepped up and powered a rocket into the back of the net. The second goal made it 2-9 to 0-7 with the half time whistle approaching. Paddy Fanning and Peter Dowling swapped scores to end the half. 2-10 to 0-8 for Wexford after 30 minutes.

Tipp came close but fell just short of a great comeback in the second half.

Tipp staged somewhat of a comeback in the second half and reined in the lead. The half opened with the sides matching each other for a goal and two points. Tipp hit first with a goal from Stephen Lambert, but Wexford got it right back less then a minute later after Brian Dowling was played through excellently. The final 15 minutes saw Tipp eat into the Wexford lead. Tipp managed to gain the upper hand for a period and scored seven points to Wexford’s one to narrow the gap to 2 points. Darragh O’Connell was on the mark with frees while substitutes Odhran Kealy and Ian Duggan Tipp now had the advantage in the back line as Wexford’s foray’s forward ended up coming right back downfield. Odhran Kealy put a rousing point over the bar and with Wexford on the ropes what a few minutes beforehand looked like a win was in serious jeopardy. A goal would now win it for Tipp, but with extreme anxiety creeping into the Wexford ranks Tony Murphy came to the rescue with a point and set up Brian Dowling with a score to restore the lead to four points. Wexford now join Tom’s atop the table and look like they will be hard to beat.

Wexford: G. Griffey, D. Redmond, G. Dunphy, B. Dalton, D. Magill, S. White, P. Dowling (0-1), M. Molloy (0-1), B. Dowling (1-2), A. Shore (0-3), C. Kenny (0-2), T. Murphy (2-4), J. Hetherington (0-2). Tipp: S. Delaney, J. Kindregan, B. Flaherty, A. McRedmond, C. Leahy, B. Howley, E. Hayes (0-1), J. Fitzpatrick, W. Walsh (0-2), P. Fanning (0-2), P. McGrath, S. Lambert (1-1), D. O’Connell (0-7). Subs: J. Roach (0-1), Odhran Kealy (0-1), I. Duggan (0-2).

In Saturday’s senior hurling match between Fr. Tom Burke’s and Galway, Tom’s prevailed by a single point in what was a cracking game.  The final score was 2-15 to 0-20 for Tom’s.  The result gives Tom’s 5 points and sitting joint top of the table with Wexford, and leaves Galway still looking for a win with the first half of the championship completed.

By Rory O'Donnell