IT WAS Wexford's day, both physically and pyschologically. Even before the match, I sensed that Wexford were the more relaxed outfit and, when Limerick broke from the pre match parade, obviously in a bid to gain some sort of mental edge, it surprised me - and left me with a sense of foreboding.

Wexford proved to be a team for the big occasion, displaying fierce passion and hunger. If a Limerick player was in their way, he was just blown out of the way. No matter what obstacle was placed in their path, Wexford were able to cope with it. And that's the approach which wins All Ireland titles.

Eamonn Scallan's dismissal - he was somewhat unfortunate to get his marching orders, felt was crucial in the overall scheme of things. As the teams went in at half time, I asked myself some questions. One. How are Limerick going to cope? Where will they play the extra man? Two. Will Wexford change their game plan?

Within 10 seconds of the second half throw in, it was obvious Wexford were sticking with a five man attack and, when Garry Laffan won the first ball in to the forwards within to seconds of the second half throw in, it was obvious, too, that the inequality in numbers wasn't going to worry them unduly.

Throughout the Leinster Championship, Wexford had effectively played with a five man attack (with Rory McCarthy helping out at midfield), so the numerical imbalance didn't mean any real change in their game plan, they had used a similar system all year.

Wexford also used it to pysch themselves up. John O'Connor urging on the side's supporters on Hill 16 to keep the volume level up epitomised their attitude.

Limerick never really seemed to cope with the situation. Dave Clarke, the extra man, was positioned between the half back line and the midfield. Admittedly, it is difficult to know exactly what to do in such a situation. Personally I would have thought an extra player around midfield or the half forwards would be more beneficial. And I felt it would have been ideal for Mike Galligan. Obviously, the selectors thought differently.

I feel terribly sorry for everyone involved with Limerick. It was an extremely disappointing final for them. Great credit is due to Tom Ryan for getting them back into an All Ireland final, but it is going to be difficult to pick up the pieces. Two All Ireland defeats in three years is hard to take. Next year, when you look at it, Limerick have to beat the Tipperarys, Clares and Corks all over again, just to get out of Munster.

Wexford were the physically stronger side. They hit Limerick a lot harder than Limerick hit them. Each and every one of them was willing to go through brick walls to get the ball. In contrast, when Limerick hit a Wexford player they just bounced back off them. They weren't strong enough.

Limerick played tremendously well for the first 20 minutes and opened up the field, with TJ Ryan and Barry Foley creating a lot of space. When Limerick led 0-5 to 0-1 early on, there was little evidence of the problems which afflicted them later on.

Then came the Wexford goal - the product of some poor Limerick defending and, generally, I thought the backs were a little sluggish and then Martin Storey won a ball, turned left and right and then right and left, and put it over the bar.

Overall, I though the Martin Storey Ciaran Carey duel (which I felt would be an important factor in deciding the match) finished about even. However, Ger Cushe had an excellent game on Damien Quigley, while Gary Kirby's knock just a couple of minutes into the match definitely put him off his game and he wasn't comfortable afterwards.

Another sector where Wexford were stronger was around midfield, with Adrian Fenlon, in particular, doing some great work.

But right through the team, Wexford played with fierce passion. They seemed to win every important ball in the second half. Wexford had an enormous amount of possession and, it seemed, Limerick were forced to live on scraps. Every time a Limerick man did get the ball, he was harassed and closed down and Limerick defenders weren't given the time to get long clearances in.

When Joe Quaid pulled off two superb saves one after the other, I felt that might be the turning point. But, no, Wexford weren't moved and came back looking stronger than ever. They fought for every ball and won every ball.

It is strange how the extra man factor can work against you. It really is difficult to know what to do. However, Limerick possibly slowed the game down a little bit too much, and played into Wexford's hands. The type of game Limerick normally play is the Wexford style of hurling. But Wexford were superbly fit and took their scores brilliantly.

Okay, Wexford missed a lot in the second half. But that showed the amount of possession they were winning. And when Limerick were missing, it was because they were being put under so much pressure.

All in all, it was a disappointing match for Limerick; losing their second final in three years. When you look at the final score - 1-13 to 0-14 it doesn't look a lot. However, Wexford dominated the second half so much they really should have been more up at full time.

The decision to disallow the Limerick goal, though, in the second half baffled me. I'd love to know the exact reason Pat Horan blew his whistle. It didn't appear to be a square ball. That is the way it goes, however, and generally it was a poor performance from Limerick in the second half, particularly in their failure to retain possession.

There was one occasion in the second half which sticks in my mind. Frankie Carroll was very easily dispossessed on the half forward line and Wexford swept the ball upfield and over the bar. It epitomised Wexford's play on the day: their willingness to battle for possession and their ability to use it.

There was an over anxiety in the Limerick side when the scores were not coming in that second half. Everyone wanted to win the ball, instead of getting some cool heads inside, picking the ball up and playing it outside to the loose player.

Wexford were the cuter side on the day, and the hungrier side. They played with passion and fought for every ball.