Wexford hurling received a timely boost when the Model County captured the Leinster IHC title by carving out a two-point victory (2-11 to 1-12) over Kilkenny at Nowlan Park on Wednesday evening. Wexford ………… 2-11 Kilkenny …………. 1-12 Holders Kilkenny were in the ascendancy for a large duration of this decider but the second half introduction of Eamonn Martin into the Wexford side turned the tie as he posted 1-1 to send his side on their way to a narrow victory. The Cats were the better side in the opening period and led 1-6 to 1-4 at the interval, courtesy of a goal from Noel Doherty and a flurry of points from the excellent Richard Hogan. Wexford managed to stay in touch in the opening period, mainly due to the accuracy of Pat Doran, who netted a first half goal while also finding his range from a couple of frees and the side in purple in yellow improved after the break. Martin was sprung from the bench to instigate Wexford's recovery and his 40th minute 'major' brought his side back on level terms 2-6 to 1-9. The visitors then took the lead entering the final quarter when Doran launched a fine effort between the uprights and they galloped relentlessly to the winning post with a trio of David Redmond points accompanied by similar efforts from Doran and Martin proving sufficient to see of their more esteemed opponents. Wexford - D. Flynn; C. Lawlor, B. Kenny, D. Morton; B. O'Leary; B. Malone, J. O'Connor; T. Dwyer, D. Redmond (0-1); M. Heffernan, J. Breen, P. Doran (1-5); N. Kirwan (0-2), S. Banville (0-1), P.J. Carley. Subs - C. O'Connor (0-1) for Carley, E. Martin (1-1) for Kirwan. Kilkenny - D. Brennan; K. Joyce, J. Cahill, M. Phelan; P. Lonergan, S. Cummins, N. Doherty; P.Hogan (0-1), B. Beckett; N. Doherty (1-2), D. Butler, E. Hennerby; J. Fennelly, M. Murphy, R. Hogan (0-9). Subs - F. Freyne for Lonergan, M. Grace for Fennelly, E. Walsh for Doherty. Referee - T. Carroll (Offaly). Tweet

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