Cavan qualified for their first Cadbury All-Ireland U21FC final since 1996 and only their third in all following a strong finish to last night's semi-final against first-time Leinster champions Wexford at Parnell Park.

Cavan 1-10
Wexford 0-8

Showing few signs of fatigue after their Ulster final victory over a much-fancied Tyrone just three days earlier, the Breffnimen took control in the second half to set up a final date with Galway.

They started brightly with Niall McDermott and wing back Michael Brady posting early scores, but a brace of Conor Carty points and a long-range free from midfielder Michael O'Regan had Wexford ahead coming up to half-time. However, Barry Reilly replied with a free to leave the sides level on 0-4 apiece at the break.

McDermott struck for the only goal three minutes after the restart, only for Wexford to hit back with two Carty frees which left the minimum in it. But with Packie Leddy to the fore, Cavan put in a strong final quarter which yielded match-winning points from Gearoid McKiernan and Jack Brady (three).

Scorers - Cavan: N McDermott 1-2, J Brady 0-3 (1f), B Reilly 0-2 (2f), G McKernan, N Smith, M Brady 0-1 each. Wexford: C Carty 0-5 (3f), M O'Regan (f), K Kehoe, D Murphy 0-1 each.

Cavan: A O'Mara; F Flanagan, O Minagh, D Tighe; K Meehan, D Barkey, M Brady; G McKiernan, M Leddy; N Smith, N Murray, B Reilly; J Brady, N McDermott, P Leddy. Subs: P King for M Leddy, T Mooney for M Brady, C McClarey for Smith, K Tierney for Reilly, C Smith for P Leddy

Wexford: R Farrell; M Furlong, S Gaule, J Breen; D Butler, J Leacy, C Carty; M O'Hanlon, M O'Regan; L McGovern, E Kent, P Kelly; K O'Grady, K Kehoe, B Halpin. Subs: D Murphy for Halpin, J Boggan for Kelly, B O'Gorman for Kent

Referee: P O'Sullivan (Kerry).

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