GAA: UNDER-21 FOOTBALL LEINSTER FINAL: Wexford 1-9 Longford 0-11:WEXFORD CAPTURED their first title when they survived a frantic finish in Portlaoise last night. With Longford also seeking an inaugural win at this grade, it was a tense and closely fought battle in front of a crowd of over 3,000 and was deservedly claimed by a stylish Wexford outfit.
Despite opening the scoring through the talented JJ Matthews, Longford struggled to get more ball up to their dangermen. Instead a physically stronger Wexford dominated the first half.
After a sixth-minute goal was disallowed Wexford made no mistake in the 11th minute when after O’Grady’s shot was well saved by Patrick Collum, the ball was bundled in by Killian Kehoe – son of team manager Kevin.
Fast-paced, ball-carrying wing back Conor Carty kept Wexford on the front foot, while poor option taking from pressurised Longford defenders kept them under pressure.
But despite their dominance Wexford were unable to open a commanding lead and Longford clung desperately on – thanks to inspirational scores from Matthews and Robbie Smith. Late scores from Kehoe and Michael O’Regan left the Model County 1-5 to 0-5 in front.
Wexford got another crucial break at the start of the second half when Paudie Kelly raced inside and despite illegally hopping the ball twice in a row was allowed continue and score a point.
Matthews continued to kick inspirational scores for Longford but they struggled to get enough ball past midfield, while at the other end Wexford wing forward Kelly grew in influence.
But just as it seemed Wexford were turning the screw Longford pulled the match back level with 10 minutes to go through Keegan, McGivney and Smith. Wexford impressively recovered to kick crucial scores through Kent and and star man O’Regan.
WEXFORD:R Farrell; M Furlong, S Gaule, J Breen; D Butler, J Leacy, C Carty (0-1); M O'Hanlon, M O'Regan (0-2, one free); L Óg McGovern, E Kent (0-1), P Kelly (0-3); K O'Grady (0-2, one free), K Kehoe (1-0), B Halpin. Subs: D Murphy for Halpin (41 mins), T Rossitter for Kehoe (55 mins), B O'Gorman for K O'Grady (60 mins)
LONGFORD:P Collum; J Carroll, F Battrim, A Quinn; S Mahon, CP Smith, D Cooney; K Diffley (0-1), J Keegan (0-1); P McCormack, J McGivney (0-2, frees), M Mulvey; R Smith (0-4, one free), D Gallagher, JJ Matthews (0-3). Subs: J Noonan for D Gallagher (21 mins), F Reilly for Mahon (53 mins)
Referee:G McCormack (Dublin).
Next Up . . .
The Ulster under-21 final between Cavan and Tyrone will take place next Wednesday (April 13th), with the winner scheduled to meet newly crowned Leinster champions Wexford that Saturday (April 16th). The same day, Cork will meet Roscommon in the other semi-final, with the All-Ireland final fixed for Saturday, April 30th. Venues to be confirmed.
