Wexford footballers scratched a significant seven-year itch at Aughrim on Sunday to unfurl the welcome-mat for reigning All-Ireland champions Dublin next weekend.
Wexford were without a victory in the Leinster Senior championship since beating Longford in 2014, and after Wicklow had ended their 2020 campaign, this was a massive result for this somewhat experienced but mainly young, emerging purple-and-gold outfit.
While Wexford led the derby by 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time, the sin-binning of Daithí Waters arising from an off-the-ball incident just before the interval saw Wicklow gain the upperhand to turn the tables by 0-12 to 1-7 after 47 minutes.
But Waters’ return contributed to a renewed upswing in Wexford fortunes, and a 63rd-minute goal from defender Martin O’Connor snapped the visitors back in front (2-8 to 0-10) as they fashioned revenge for Wicklow’s back-to-back victories last autumn that cost Wexford both promotion in the league and progress in championship.
Whatever next Sunday’s mammoth test against all-conquering Dublin has in store for Shane Roche’s charges, the fact that Wexford have ended their provincial championship misery should inject real confidence into this ever promising squad as they set their sights on restoring themselves as contenders.
Mark Rossiter signed off with 1-6 to his name in this long awaited breakthrough, and the Gusserane man provided a tremendous boost when planting a fourth-minute goal after good work between Michael Furlong and John Tubritt.
Unfortunately injuries cost Wexford Eoghan Nolan and his replacement, Ben Brosnan, during the opening-half.
But Mark Rossiter restored a three point gap with a tidy finish from the left wing after nine minutes (1-1 to 0-1), before three Wexford wides allowed Wicklow draw level at the first water-break (0-4 to 1-1).
Wexford regained an edge when Rossiter (free) and clever defender Páraic Hughes sandwiched a Wicklow point with similar scores to craft a 1-3 to 0-5 lead after 28 minutes.
And Tom Byrne couldn’t believe his luck moments later when he squandered a gilt-edged goaling chance.
Tubritt shouldered off a challenge to extend the gap to 1-4 to 0-5 after clever work between Brian Malone and Daithí Waters, and although Wicklow responded, the Model County continued to shine.
Somehow the referee declined to act after consulting his umpires following a challenge on Tubritt when a penalty appeared a serious consideration.
Nevertheless, Daithí Waters carried the ball deep to provide another gem from the left by Mark Rossiter as Wexford broke leading 1-5 to 0-6.
But a clash between Waters and Wicklow no.10 Andy Maher shortly before the change-of-ends saw Waters black-carded when the sides returned to the field.
Wexford certainly felt his absence as Wicklow prospered on the resumption to transform matters by 0-12 to 1-7 after 44 minutes – points from John Tubritt and Mark Rossiter keeping Wexford in the hunt.
Donal Shanley steadied matters with a pointed free as Waters returned to the action, and with quite an impact too as the St. Martin’s ace covered the ground with an added relish to haul his side back into contention.
Liam Coleman was denied a goal by the brave intervention of Wicklow ‘keeper Mark Jackson.
But Wexford had the Garden County net shaking in the 63rd-minute when Martin O’Connor displayed superb composure to produce a low finish after a neat set up by Coleman as O’Connor fired Wexford back in front (2-8 to 0-12).
Mark Rossiter (2) and Shanley (free) added clinching points as Wexford ended six years of provincial championship heartache to clinch the glamour of a Leinster quarter-final showdown with the Dubs next Sunday at Chadwicks Wexford Park.
They’ll be honest and brave, and those are among the characteristics of this fine bunch that should hold Wexford footballers in good stead for the coming years.
Wexford: Darragh Brooks; Martin O’Connor (1-0), Gavin Sheehan, Liam O’Connor; Páraic Hughes (0-1), Brian Malone, Michael Furlong; Daithí Waters, Liam Coleman; Tom Byrne, Seán Nolan, Kevin O’Grady; John Tubritt (0-2), Eoghan Nolan, Mark Rossiter (1-6, 0-1 free).
Subs: Ben Brosnan for E. Nolan, inj., (8); Donal Shanley (0-2 frees) for Brosnan, inj., (22); Niall Hughes for Nolan (47); Eoin Porter for L. O’Connor (59); Alan Tobin for O’Grady (60); also, Conor Carty, Aaron Murphy, Naomhan Rossiter, Seán Ryan, Robbie Brooks, Conor Swaine.
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