Blackwater has proved a lucky venue for the men of 2013.
Wexford hosted Offaly in the Bord na Mona Leinster GAA Walsh Cup Quarter Final today and won on a full time scoreline of 1-24 to 1-15. However at half time a home victory was far from assured as Offaly held a significant lead, helped by a Derek Molloy goal and a commanding performance by Shane Dooley, meaning they held a six-point lead at the break.
On resumption, Wexford made a positive start with points from Gary Moore, Richie Kehoe and David Redmond and by the 20th minute of the second half Wexford had edged ahead 0-17 to 1-13. Harry Kehoe, David Redmond and Paudge Doran tagged on points to put Wexford 0-20 to 1-14 ahead.
Then late in the game, Wexford were awarded a penalty and bringing back memories of Damian FitzHenry’s heroics, keeper Mark Fanning came up the field to face his opposite number and confidently dispatched the sliotar to the Offaly net; it was Wexford 1-21 to 1-14, a 7 point lead.
Wexford pushed on adding 3 more points to finish with an empathic , 9 point win. The prize a home fixture next week against All Ireland Champions Kilkenny. Based on today’s performance Wexford are progressing well but bigger tests lie ahead.
Wexford scorers: G Moore 12 (10 f) M Fanning 1-0 (penalty); H Kehoe 3; R Kehoe 2f; D Redmond, P Morris 2; E Doyle, PJ Nolan. P Doran (1 each.)
