In the inaugural round of the Leinster hurling championship at Chadwicks Wexford Park, Ian O’Riordan reported that Dublin and Wexford ended in a high-octane deadlock. Although some referred to the match as a knockout game, both teams proved otherwise with a thrilling finish.
Wexford seemed on course for a significant victory, leading 1-20 to 0-18 with three minutes of added time indicated and Lee Chin placing them ahead. Surprisingly, this final time spurred two quickfire goals from Dublin.
A moment that stood out was Danny Sutcliffe’s 73rd-minute short-range shot providing Dublin with a glimmer of hope. But when Cathal Dunbar increased Wexford’s lead to 1-21 to 1-18, it seemed to be the game’s finale. The final word, however, was with Dublin; Paul Crummy took the puck and handed it to Cian O’Sullivan who levelled the match with a last gasp equaliser, much to the astonishment of the home supporters.
While the game could potentially determine the championship’s third spot, presumably trailing behind Kilkenny and Galway, Wexford might regret the outcome. Dublin, on the other hand, might feel fortunate to have split the points, with their first genuine goal opportunity not coming until the third injury minute.
On a sunny day with an attendance of 9754, Chin ended the game with a commendable score of 1-12, which included a penalty awarded just 12 seconds into the game. Notably, Wexford outperformed in the second half.
Both teams exhibited caution more than ambition. However, after a halftime deadlock, Wexford surged ahead in the final quarter thanks to a string of scores from substitute players Conor McDonald, Conor Ahearn and Rory O’Connor. Darragh Carley’s notable score off the bench added fuel to Wexford’s offensive, propelling them 1-18 to 0-17 in the closing 10 minutes. Despite this, a resilient Dublin side proved they were not giving up so easily.
The game sprung into action as Wexford hit the ground running on hardening grounds. The penalty was awarded to Chin within a mere few 12 seconds. A clean catch was awarded to Chin after navigating through heavy crowding to make a spotless catch of Conor Hearne’s throw-in. Chin capitalised on this, launching a unyielding shot to the left of Sean Brennan, directly into the town end.
Dublin found their groove in the dazzling sunshine, courtesy of Donal Burke’s two frees. Following another free from Chin, Dublin managed to reach parity just 12 minutes into the game due to two consecutive frees by Cian O’Sullivan.
Defensive strategies employed by both teams were fierce and rapid in the initial quarter — Rory O’Connor and Liam Og McGovern were both formally cautioned. Sadly, there were few opportunities for goals as both teams continually spilled possession time and again.
After 15 minutes had passed, Dublin scored their first point from play — Danny Sutcliffe returned to his vintage form levels the teams yet again. Paddy Doyle then broke through for a score and Burke added a free from 65m, giving Dublin a temporary lead.
A succession of possessions allowed Wexford to respond by scoring five unopposed points — a contribution of two more frees from Chin and a superior point from O’Connor were featured amongst these. By the time 33 minutes rolled around, Wexford had a slight lead over Dublin, 1-8 to 0-8. A quick response from Dublin, netting three of their own scores, led to a deadlock as halftime approached. Both teams retired for refreshments at a standstill — Wexford 1-8, Dublin 0-11.
Wexford’s demonstrative players included M Fanning (0-1), S Reck, C Hearne (0-1), C Dunbar (0-1), R O’Connor (0-4) and L Chin (1-12) where Chin scored a penalty amongst nine frees. Chin was substituted by C McDonald (0-1) at 44 minutes while C Byrne (0-1) substituted Casey at 56 minutes. K Foley was replaced by M Dwyer at the 67th minute and O’Connor was replaced by D Carley after 71 minutes had passed.
In Dublin, the match occurred with the lineup of S Brennan, J Bellew, P Smyth and P Doyle who contributed an achievable point. Also in play were C Crummy, who accomplished a solitary point, C Donohue, E O’Donnell, M Grogan, who achieved two points and C Burke with one point. Additionally, B Hayes, D Burke had seven points including six free-kicks and a conversion from 65 metres, and D Sutcliffe who scored a goal along with two points. Alongside these players, C O’Sullivan scored a goal and two points, with S Currie in play along with R Hayes who scored a single point. In the 55th minute, D Gray swapped for Doyle, and P Crummy replaced R Hayes in the 64th minute. Then D Power came on for Grogan after 66 minutes, with D O Dulaing swapping for Currie in the 69th minute, and finally D Purcell replaced Hayes after 70-minute mark. The match was overseen by Referee Jimmy Murphy hailing from Limerick.