Gaelic Games

Wexford coast to victory over Laois in Division One B encounter

Victors land five goals to keep knockout hopes alive

Wexford’s Ian Byrne: hit 15 points against Laois in their Division One B match. Photograph: Inpho
Wexford’s Ian Byrne: hit 15 points against Laois in their Division One B match. Photograph: Inpho
Sun Mar 15 2015 - 18:49

Wexford 5-22 Laois 0-25

Laois had not beaten Wexford since 1939 but after Wexford lost their unbeaten record seven days earlier the home team were hopeful of inflicting more misery on the Slaneysiders and for three quarters of this game the destination of the points was in doubt. However, in the closing quarter there was only one team in it and Wexford kept their knockout hopes very much alive after Limerick lost their unbeaten record. It could be all to play for on Sunday next.

The opening half was evenly contested after Liam Óg McGovern whipped in a goal after five minutes. Laois were hurling well picking off good points from Cha Dwyer, Zane Keenan and Ross King but the deadly accuracy of Ian Byrne ensured the visitors went to the break leading 1-11 to 0-13.

Laois setback

Laois were dealt a blow when

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Matthew Whelan

was forced to retire at the break and Wexford pounced for a goal after just 30 seconds of the new half. Laois hit back with points by PJ Scully,

Willie Hyland

and Zane Keenan but a third goal by

Dave Redmond

put the visitors in the clear although Laois still kept in touch with good points and with 20 minutes left to play the margin was only three points.

Wexford then pulled away with two more goals from Podge Doran and Conor McDonald late in the game to run out comfortable winners.

Wexford Park will see a South East derby on Sunday when Wexford visit in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland qualifiers but for the O'Moores a daunting trip to Shannon side and they are already in the relegation zone with pointless Antrim. LAOIS: E Reilly; J A Delaney, C Healy, B Stapleton; J Fitzpatrick, M Whelan, J Walsh; Z Keenan (0-7), P Purcell (0-2); W Hyland (0-6), P Whelan (0-3), C Dwyer (0-3); R King (0-1), PJ Scully (0-3), N Foyle; Subs: T Fitzgerald for N Foyle (28 mins), T Delaney for M Whelan, T, Joe Campion for R King (both h-t), T C Dunne for J Walsh (53 mins), B Conroy for W Hyland (66 mins). WEXFORD: N Breen; L Ryan (0-1), E Conroy, E Moore; P Foley, M O'Hanlon, A Shore; D Redmond (1-1), L Chin (0-1); D O'Keefe (0-1), P Doran (1-0), I Byrne (0-15); L Og McGovern (1-0), C McDonald (2-2), H Kehoe (0-1). Subs: K Foley for D O'Keefe (52 mins),A Nolan for D Redmond (63 mins), E Martin for E Moore (65 mins), G Sinnott for H Kehoe (65 mins). Referee: John Keena.