Shelmaliers hold off Rathnure fightback to secure Wexford SHC triumph

Shelmaliers' Ross Banville celebrates a point. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

Shelmaliers were crowned Wexford senior hurling champions for the first time since 2020 after surviving a late Rathnure St Anne’s fightback to win 1-18 to 2-13 at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Ross Banville led the scoring charge as the Shels recovered from an early deficit to take an 0-11 to 1-4 half-time lead.

Captain Conor Hearne’s goal just 14 seconds into the second-half extended their advantage, with Banville’s accuracy from frees helping Shelmaliers move 10 points clear.

Rathnure rallied through Jack Redmond’s late goal to close the gap to two points, but Eamon Wickham missed a late goal opportunity as the Shels held on for victory.

Kilkenny legend Richie Power celebrated a Wexford title with Shelmaliers as manager, as they now face Westmeath champions Lough Lene Gaels in a Leinster club SHC quarter-final on November 8th.