The Wexford U-16 Development Panel won the Leinster Shield Final against Louth in Bray yesterday, Monday 29th October winning on a scoreline of 3-12 to 3-8. This followed their semi final against Carlow on Saturday on an impressive scoreline of 6-13 to 2-5.
They started the final slowly but 2 goals in quick succession from Tony Smith and Tom Byrne put Wexford ahead before half time on a scoreline of 2-5 to 1-5. Louth came back strong in the second half, and went a couple of points up, but a goal from tony Smith put us back ahead, and then our midfield pairing of Tom Byrne and Niall Hughes dominated kickouts and stormed on. Half backline of Mick Boland, Jake Firman and Dillon Redmond also got on top in the central area and stopped the Louth counter attacking ploys.
With Ben Cowman at centre forward being a vital link from defence to attack, we powered on to finish strong against a Louth side who were reduced to 14 men after the full back was sent off for a second yellow when he dragged down Shane Doyle as he bore down on goal. Some fine points from Aaron Kehoe and Tony Smith rounded off what was a superb squad
performance, with every player available taking the field and getting a chance to play in a Leinster final.
A late goal with the last kick of the game gave Louth a more respectable look on the scoreline. It was a huge performance from the team, and it was very much a team effort, with everyone over the year contributing in all games.
Squad was:
Dylan Cloke
Eoin O Connor
Glenn Malone
Brian O Connor
Dillon Redmond
Michael Boland
Jake Firman
Tom Byrne
Niall Hughes
Garrett Browne
Ben Cowman
Craig Murphy
Aaron Kehoe
Tony Smith
Dylan Sweeney
Richard Cleary
Cormac Byrne
Shaun Donohue
James Kinsella
Sean Foley
Ross Bealin
Ian Moran
Conor Neville
Noel Roche
Rhys Owley
Gearoid Finn
Shane Wilde
Daniel Carroll
Robert Byrne
Shane Doyle
Mentors:
Luke O Hanlon
Liam Kehoe
Michael Hughes
Mark Hanton
Finny White
