Last gasp Jacob point secures S/F spot for Camogie team

 JJ Doyle’s team will now play old rivals Galway, who had a much easier time recording a 2-19 to 0-9 victory over Tipperary.

With no seeding in the draw, that leaves the other semi-final between Cork and Kilkenny, who both progressed to the last four directly by virtue of their 100% runs through the group stages.

Wexford, who were without injured captain Mary Leacy but could call upon the fit-again Katrina Parrock, got off to a brilliant start and were leading by 1-4 to 0-1 by the 14^th minute. Fiona Kavanagh got them under way with a point after four minutes and two more from Ursula Jacob, in conjunction with a Brid Gordon score, gave them a nice early cushion.

Elaine Dermody converted a 45 for Offaly but Stacey Kehoe found the net at the other end of the pitch after receiving a pass from Kavanagh to put six points between the sides.

Rather than wilting though, Offaly upped the tempo impressively and registered five points in a row. Dermody provided three of them and Tina Hannon the other two, and while Jacob had the last say in the half, at 1-5 to 0-6, this tie was back in the melting pot.

It was nip and tuck throughout the second half with Siobhan Flannery, Hannon and Dermody adding points for the Tricolours, Parrock and Jacob (two frees) raising white flags for their never-say-die opponents.

Offaly were throwing everything at Wexford though and a goal from Michaela Morkan in the 42^nd minute gave them the lead. Jacob levelled but Dermody hit back once more and Aidan Franks’ charges were 13 minutes from glory.

Wexford have been finding a way to prevail all-season despite suffering numerous setbacks and did so once again. Kate Kelly was the inspirational force in the make-or-break group game against Clare and the experienced midfielder was magnificent once more.

The St Ibars/Shelmalier player brought the sides level in the 53^rd minute before Jacob notched up her seventh point from a free to snatch it and deny a dreadfully unlucky Offaly.