Wexford Show Fire In Their Bellies

National League Quarter Final
Wexford 1-16
Galway 0-14

By Denis O'Brien

A splendid Eoin Quigley goal in the 64th minute gave Wexford the necessary boost to go and win this close hard fought league quarter final at sun splashed Nolan Park on Sunday last.

The sides fought out an entertaining first half with little between them with both teams level on 0-9 a piece at the break. Rory Jacob had put Wexford in front with a point just before the break but the impressive Iarlaith Tannian replied with a point of his own to level matters. Wexford keeper, Damien Fitzhenry had done well when pulling off the best chance of a goal from Kevin Broderick.

The sides traded three points each after the restart before a Eugune Cloonan goal effort saw Fitzhenry once more up to the task when pullng off another fine save.

In the brilliant sunshine the ball was flying up and down the field with the tempo picking up nicely enterting the last quarter. Wexford between the 55th and 57th minute surged in front when hitting three points without reply from Mitch Jordan, Rory Jacob and Darren Stamp who put over an inspirational point from the center of the park. Keith Rossitter at center back and Declan Ruth at full back were imense for Wexford during this period and cleared their lines with efficiency.

The Model county looked to be the more confident outfit and their next score would be crucial to the outcome. A Rory Jacob delivery into the edge of the square saw Eoin Quigly under pressure execute a spectactular one handed backhand into the back of the Galway net for a killer goal. Galway came back with a brace of points from Cloonan and Alan Kerrins but Wexford never looking like they were going to relenquish their lead got in for late point themselves from Willie Doran after he put over from distance. Wexford had five points to sapre in the end and there's a fired-up look about the yellow-bellies at present that has not been seen for sometime.

They now face the old enemy Kilkenny in the league semi-final next Sunday at new-look Semple Stadium in Thurles.