Wexford brushed aside as Dubs ease into O'Byrne decider

Dublin 5-17 Wexford 1-11

Goal-hungry Dublin brushed aside Wexford at Parnell Park to book their place in next week's Dioralyte O’Byrne Cup final.

On Friday, holders Longford saw off Meath to reach the decider in a game that was in the balance until the final five minutes, but the second semi-final was a much more one-sided affair where St Vincent’s forward Sean Lowry caught the eye with a hat-trick.

The Dubs, like most teams ahead of the start of the Allianz League, are casting the net wide to build more depth to their panel, with goalkeeper David O’Hanlon and forward Niall Scully the most recognisable names in the starting XV.

The opening stages were nip and tuck before Lowry found the net for the first time in the 12th minute. O’Hanlon was showing his prowess from 45s before Luke Breathnach goaled to push out the lead.

Ben Brosnan knocked over a few frees for the visitors before Cathal Walsh’s goal just after the half hour mark brought the Yellowbellies to within three points.

The Dublin response however was emphatic, with Lowry raising his second green flag for the final score of the half, Dessie Farrell’s side enjoying a 3-06 to 1-06 advantage.

Breathnach, of Ballinteer St John's, continued to cause the Wexford defence problems after the break before five-time All-Ireland winner Scully palmed to the net for his side’s fourth goal of the afternoon.

Lowry would cap off a fine afternoon’s work by completing his hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining, while in truth, the men in blue left more goal-scoring opportunities behind them as they ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 5-17 to 1-11.

They now take on Longford in Portlaoise next Saturday.