Wexford 3-14 Offaly 1-16

Report by John Gavin

Offaly went into Saturday's Leinster Senior Semi Final in confident mode after their Division 2A Final win over Derry but were aware that the opposition they were facing were a step up in quality. 

Wexford have been in good form of late and won their last three League games convincingly so for Offaly to claim a scalp in this fixture they would have needed to be on top of their game and get that little bit of luck that all sides need when facing opposition playing at a level above them.

David Sullivan named a somewhat familiar lineup for the match with just one change from the League Final starting fifteen with Caoimhe O'Donovan making way for Clodagh Leahy. 

After winning the toss and electing to play with the breeze Wexford made full use of that in the opening half and went on to build up a sizeable lead in the early stages.  They were also demonstrating a style and speed of play that reflected their status as a Division 1B team and Offaly struggled to cope with it early on. 

A Joanne Dillon goal in the 2nd minute gave the home side an excellent start and while Offaly did well to keep in the game mainly courtesy of frees, a second Wexford goal from Sarah O'Connor in the 18th minute left the score reading 2-5 to 0-3 and Offaly were looking somewhat shell shocked.  They did respond with three unanswered points but with the half closing out, a long shot in was parried by Leah Gallagher and somehow ended up in the net proving to be a dagger to the Offaly heart.  Grace Teehan did manage to convert a point just before the whistle but Wexford left the field looking very confident as the scoreboard read 3-6 to 0-7. 

In the second half, Offaly improved and made a real fight of the game.  They had a chance to reduce the arrears when they were awarded a penalty but unfortunately for the Midlanders, Clodagh Leahy fired wide.  Offaly did get a break early on though when Wexford's Sarah O'Connor left the field with what looked like a serious injury.  The Wexford centre forward had been playing well so Wexford's misfortune on this occasion would have provided some respite for the Faithful girls.  They went on to chip away at the Wexford lead, mainly courtesy of Grace Teehan frees but Wexford still seemed quite comfortable.  

With the game seemingly closing out, late points from Sharon Shanahan and Caoimhe O'Donovan narrowed the lead to eight points.  As the game approached full time a goal from Grace Teehan left Offaly wondering how much time was left.  The answer was, there was enough time for Teehan to add another point before referee Shane Foley blew full time. 

Talking afterwards David Sullivan spoke of his pride in his team's performance.  He highlighted that the three first half goals were a killer and how there was an evident gulf between the teams especially in the first 20 minutes with Wexford showing their speed and ability as a Senior team.

He went on to say he had spoken to his team after the game and that it was important that they learn from the experience as they now turn the attention to a hugely important opening game in the All Ireland Championship when they travel north to take on Antrim who have just won Division 1A of the League. 

Offaly team:  Leah Gallagher, Aoife Liffey, Cathy Fogarty, Megan King, Ellen Regan, Amy Byrne, Orlagh Phelan, Sharon Shanahan, Christine Cleary, Clodagh Leahy, Grace Teehan, Roisin Kinsella, Fianait Dooley, Mairead Teehan, Faye Mulrooney

Subs: Kaitlyn Kennedy for Roisin Kinsella, Caoimhe O'Donovan for Fianait Dooley, Becky Bryant for Christine Cleary, Kate Pilkington for Faye Mulrooney, Ciara Maher for Megan King

Offaly scorers:  Grace Teehan 1-11 (0-9 frees), Clodagh Leahy 0-2 (1 free), Amy Byrne 0-1, Sharon Shanahan 0-1, Caoimhe O'Donavon 0-1.

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