Inspired Wexford blow Galway away to revive campaign

Wexford brought the fire and desire to Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday as they gave their Leinster Senior hurling ambitions a much needed jolt with a famous victory over Galway.

Keith Rossiter's men had denied the Westerners earlier in the year in the Walsh Cup final, but Wexford championship hopes were hanging practically by a thread following the shock loss to Antrim.

However, with Liam Ryan returning to bolster an outstanding defensive effort, and Rory O’Connor finding his true form upfront to combine effectively with the imperious captain Lee Chin, the purple and gold got the job done.

And this represents a first win over Galway in the Leinster championship, having lost five and drawn two of the sides’ previous seven meetings since the westerners entered the province in 2009.

But Keith Rossiter’s men still have work to do in 2024 with a couple of road trips on the horizon - in Carlow on May 19th and Kilkenny a week later.

Galway are still firmly in the frame for the provincial decider as they head to Antrim on May 18th before hosting Dublin.

But manager Henry Shefflin will be seeking a more vibrant attacking show after seeing his forward unit well shackled by Wexford.

Wexford generated a goaling chance shortly after Evan Niland had pointed Galway in front from a free, with Cian Byrne releasing purple and gold midfielder Conor Hearne, who surged through before arrowing across the face of goal.

The sides tied four times across the first fourteen minutes, with defender Cianan Fahy and Conor Cooney launching Galway 0-4 to 0-2 ahead before Wexford tied on 0-5 apiece courtesy of Lee Chin, Conor Hearne and 'keeper Mark Fanning (free).

And Wexford made up the ground while temporarily being without Chin, as he received attention