Strong opening half put U-21 hurlers on right road
A POWERFUL first-half performance was the catalyst in Wexford Park on June 23, 2010, when the home side saw off a late Carlow comeback to advance to the Leinster Under-21 hurling championship final on a 2-17 to 2-13 scoreline.
Most of the hard work was done before the break, as a polished performance saw the hosts surge into a commanding 2-13 to 0-3 interval lead.
They were already in front by 0-6 to 0-3 in the 14th minute when a James Gahan line ball sailed all the way to the net, and the stunned visitors conceded another 1-7 without reply before the break.
The second goal arrived close to half-time, with Michael O’Hanlon’s long clearance reaching the fringe of the square where Jamie Reck was on hand to direct the breaking ball to the net off his left side.
There was more purpose and composure to Carlow’s approach on the re-start, although Wexford still looked comfortable by the 40th minute when their lead stood at 2-15 to 0-6.
However, the leaders didn’t impress from that stage onwards, although the second consolation goal they conceded only arrived some one minute into additional time.
The midfield control of Eoin Moore and Harry Kehoe was one of the key features of their earlier dominance, while the half-back line of Shaun Murphy and the O’Hanlon cousins – Matthew and Michael – imposed themselves on proceedings.
Wexford: Mark Fanning (Glynn-Barntown); Bryan McCormack (Oylegate-Glenbrien), Pádraig Donnelly (Glynn-Barntown), Eoin Doyle (Shelmaliers); Michael O’Hanlon (Horeswood), Matthew O’Hanlon (St. James’), Shaun Murphy (Oulart-The Ballagh, 0-1); Eoin Moore (Oulart-The Ballagh, 0-8, 5 frees), Harry Kehoe (Cloughbawn, 0-1); Paul Morris (Ferns St. Aidan’s, 0-3, 2 frees), John Leacy (Glynn-Barntown), Emmet Kent (Clongeen); Jamie Reck (Oylegate-Glenbrien, 1-1), James Gahan (Ballygarrett, 1-0 line ball), Liam Og McGovern (St. Anne’s, 0-2). Subs. - Shane Tomkins (Askamore) for Leacy (HT), Michael O’Regan (Glynn-Barntown, 0-1) for Donnelly (49), Tomás O’Leary (Buffers Alley) for Morris (53), Brian Doyle (Shelmaliers) for McGovern (55).
Carlow: Kevin Kehoe; Gary Kelly, Declan O’Brien, Cillian McCabe; Michael Mullins, Dwayne Kavanagh, Alan Corcoran; David English, Micheál Ryan; Derek Byrne, Edward Byrne, Din Joe Regan; Paudie Kehoe, Denis Murphy, Alan McDonald. Subs. - Martin Clowry for Regan (HT), Seamus Kelly for E. Byrne (40), Aaron McKenzie for English (53).
Referee: Domo Connolly (Kilkenny).