Hearne the hero as Shelmaliers reign supreme in Wexford SFC

Wexford SFC final Shelmaliers 1-12 Castletow 1-11

It was a reversal of roles in the Wexford Senior football championship decider for the second year running after Shelmaliers edged defending champions Castletown in Sunday's battle at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Paul Hearne, who hauled Shelmaliers back into the tie with a 36th minute goal, snatched victory with a point three minutes into added-time after a one-two with captain Eoghan Nolan.

And Castletown missed a last-gasp chance to bring the showpiece to a replay for the first time since 2018 as Shelmaliers claimed their third football crown and trip to Westmeath champions St. Loman's next Sunday in the Leinster opener.

Midfielder Rory Heffernan gave holders Castletown a dream start when smashing home a second minute goal after a lay off from Ben Brosnan.

And they were further boosted when Shelmaliers were immediately reduced to 14 men after defender Andre O’Brien was red-carded for fouling Brosnan as the goal was dispatched.

Jonathan Bealin and Brosnan (free) made it a solid 1-02 to no-score start for Castletown after six minutes, before the Malone brothers, Glen and Brian, hauled Shelmaliers into the picture.

But Donnacha Holmes and Brosnan restored a five point divide by the end of the first quarter (1-04 to 0-02).

However, after the sides shared the next four points, Shelmaliers began to ratchet things up, as numerical equilibrium was restored when Bealin was black-carded for a foul on Eoghan Nolan.

And Brian Malone had a certain goal cleared off the line by Killian Pierce, before Ross Banville and Nolan (free) pared the gap down to 1-6 to 0-6 at half-time.

Shelmaliers produced an inspired start to the new half when seizing the initiative by 1-09 to 1-07 after seven minutes,