Disappointing way to lose, but overall it was heartening

WEXFORD SUPPORTERS were treated to a roller-coaster ride of emotions at Innovate Wexford Park last Saturday evening, as Laois eventually prevailed in extra-time of an entertaining game of football.

Thanks to an amazing performance in the first-half, Wexford went in with a ten-point lead. Few if any supporters in the sizeable crowd would have expected such a lead to be held by the Wexford men, as they had been written off before the game by every pundit.

I thought the first-half display was the best one I have seen by a Wexford team in the last few years. They were committed in the tackle, unyielding in defence, confident while attacking, and showed desire and pride in the jersey. They were also organised and disciplined in everything they did.

The ten-point half-time lead certainly didn’t flatter the first-half performance. Of course, we expected a second-half backlash from Laois, as their first-half display would have been considered inept from their point of view.

Any team with the quality of Colm Begley, Kieran Lillis, Stephen Attride, Donie Kingston and Ross Munnelly is capable of inspiring a comeback.

The second-half onslaught did arrive and the placing of Kingston at full-forward proved a master stroke as he became the focal point for every attack. Laois gradually reeled in the deficit and drew level before proceeding to over-run Wexford in extra-time.

However, there was some controversy at the end of normal time. Wexford had a kick-out as the sides were level and the referee informed them that there were 30 seconds remaining. They worked the ball up the field and Brian Malone was fouled for a penalty.

Donal Shanley rightly went for a point from the kick, assuming that time was up as one minute had passed. Inexplicably, Martin McNally allowed play to continue, giving Laois an opportunity to level, ultimately costing Wexford the game.

It was a disappointing way to lose on Saturday, but supporters have to be heartened by the overall display. New young players gained championship experience and I think, with the exception of Tiarnan Rossiter, all of the substitutes that came on made their championship debuts.

Saturday evening was a special occasion for three players in particular. At half-time Ben Brosnan and Shane Roche were honoured for representing Wexford in over one hundred competitive football games.

Saturday’s game also marked the 150th appearance in a Wexford jersey by Brian Malone, one of the most consistent, skilful and athletic players to ever wear the purple and gold. I have seen a lot of the games he played and I can’t ever remember him giving a below-par performance.

He graced every position in defence on the team over the years and you would expect him to be heading back towards goal at this stage of his career. Instead he played midfield on Saturday and again led the team from the first minute to the last.

He is an example to any aspiring sportsman in any grade or code. Well done and thank you to three great servants of Wexford football. There won’t be too many players in the modern era that will come close to matching such dedication and commitment to their county.

Congratulations to the North End club on their magnificent achievement in the Aviva Stadium last Saturday afternoon. Years of planning went in to this victory and all the hard work of players, coaches, committees and supporters paid off.

They did it by travelling the hardest possible path, playing all away fixtures and extra-time and penalties in the final. Knowing ‘Goggy’ and his meticulous preparation, they were practicing penalties from the start of the season, not just when it looked like they were going to be in a final.

At the end they were cool, calm and collected as they got their just rewards. Let their rivals beware though, as this won’t be their last one.