In an impressive second half showing at Walsh Park, Wexford has ensured their place in the foremost league of hurling in 2025, while Waterford has been demoted to Division 1B for the following season as the result of this loss. A comprehensive analysis of the match is forthcoming.
In the initial quarter (0-15 minutes), Waterford demonstrated an early proficiency by registering the first five points, with a notable goal scored over the shoulder by Michael Kiely being the standout moment. Despite a free by Séamus Casey getting Wexford started in the 11th minute, their full-forward missed a goal opportunity as the quarter hour mark approached when his try hit the side-net. Wexford lost the opening 15 minutes 0-6 to 0-2, having wasted six shots.
During the second quarter (16 mins-halftime), Wexford was breathed new life thanks to a goal by Conor Hearne in the 20th minute. His forceful, direct run broke the Waterford defence, and his clever knock of the ball off the ground got it past Shaun O’Brien, making the tally 0-9 to 1-5. Hearne received a caution for a delayed strike on Mark Fitzgerald as his goal succeeded. Waterford offered an effective counter to the goal with three swift points to nullify Wexford’s key score within minutes. With a minute remaining before halftime, Waterford held a 0-16 to 1-7 advantage, but Wexford scored three unopposed points to close the first-half gap to three. The halftime score was Waterford 0-16, Wexford 1-10.
The crucial third quarter saw Wexford outpoint Waterford 0-8 to 0-3. Kevin Foley’s 48th-minute point put the two sides on an equal footing for the first time since the match began, and Matthew O’Hanlon’s long-range shot seconds after that put Wexford in the lead – a position they held onto for the remainder of the match. The score at the end of the third quarter was Wexford 1-18, Waterford 0-19.
Wexford managed to seize a major lead in the 52nd minute with a second goal, bringing the score to 2-19 to 0-19. Mark Fanning, in a swift move, successfully defended against a critical goal attempt by Waterford. Evidently, Waterford retaliated with a goal from substitute player Padraig Fitzgerald, but still, didn’t manage to reduce their deficit in the game’s final phases, thereby handing the victory to Wexford. Consequently, Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford continues in their struggle to secure a top four position in the division, due to a lesser record against Cork. The endgame scores were Wexford 2-23 Waterford 1-23.
The lineup for Wexford included Mark Fanning, Niall Murphy, Damien Reck, Conor Foley, Eoin Ryan, Matthew O’Hanlon, Shane Reck, Simon Donohoe, Conor Hearne, Cathal Dunbar, Kevin Foley, Charlie McGuckin, Richie Lawlor, Séamus Casey, and Cian Byrne. Corey Byrne Dunbar, James Byrne, Mikie Dwyer, and Jack Doran were substitutes.
Representing Waterford were Shaun O’Brien, PJ Fanning, Mark Fitzgerald, Conor Ryan, Jack Fagan, Billy Nolan, Darragh Lyons, Paddy Leavey, Jamie Barron, Kieran Bennett, Jack Prendergast, Calum Lyons, Shane Bennett, Michael Kiely, and Peter Hogan. Their substitutes were Neil Montgomery, Dessie Hutchinson, Patrick Curran, Padraig Fitzgerald, and Patrick Fitzgerald.
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