WEXFORD 2-17 OFFALY 0-13
Reigning champions Wexford cruised into the provincial decider for the second year in a row on Wednesday evening with a comfortable win over Offaly at Wexford Park.
First half goals from Man of the Match Conor McDonald and Rhys Clarke paved the way to victory for the Model County, who led 1-6 to 0-2 after 20 minutes following a superb goal from McDonald.
Both sides were reduced to 14 men in the first half as Garrett Foley (Wexford) and Sean Dolan (Offaly) both saw red in separate incidents. It mattered little to Wexford though, whose second goal through Clarke just before the break left them 2-9 to 0-2 ahead at the interval.
Given they had a 13-point advantage, it was somewhat inevitable that Wexford’s intensity dipped in the second half and Offaly finally gained some momentum in the final quarter to cut the margin a little.
It never threatened to be anything more than consolation though, and JJ Doyle’s side will now bid to become the first side from the county to retain the U21 crown since the side that won titles in 2001 and 2002.
The Leinster final will take place on Wednesday July 9th in Parnell Park Dublin at 7.30pm
Report from www.gaa.ie
