Shelmaliers 3-18

Naomh Eanna 3-11

Shelmaliers became Wexford senior hurling champions for the first time since 2014 this afternoon when beating Naomh Eanna by seven points at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Played behind closed doors after last Tuesday's announcement that all matches across the country would go ahead without spectators for the next two weeks, the sides served up a six-goal thriller. Ultimately, Shels' greater scoring power was the difference.

The team in black and amber stripes had raced into a 0-6 to 0-1 lead on 15 minutes with their impressive wing back Glen Malone opening the scoring and they looked comfortable until Cathal Dunbar rattled the net to give Naomh Eanna a much needed boost.

A Padraig Doyle free made it a one point game before Naomh Eanna were pegged back by another scoring burst for Shels who hit the Gorey men for 1-2 in the closing stages of the first half. Ross Banville bagged the goal from the penalty spot to leave it 1-10 to 1-5 in favour of Shels at the break.

Shelmaliers captain Simon Donohoe lifts the Wexford SHC trophy. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.

The next decisive moment of the contest came straight on the resumption as a superb Shels counter attack saw James Cash score his side's second goal, 2-11 to 1-5. But Naomh Eanna weren't going down without a fight and Gary Molloy raised their second green flag.

Shels responded quickly with a third goal which was expertly finished to the net from close range by Sean Keane Carroll. There was no way back from there for Naomh Eanna as Vinny Parker's side soared clear to open up a nine-point gap while Molloy turned in a late consolation effort.

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