Wexford can build on victory over Kilkenny

INEVITABLY, the favourites’ tag remains with Wexford for tomorrow’s Guinness Leinster hurling final in Croke Park after their dramatic victory over Kilkenny.

However, as the recent history of games with Offaly demonstrates, it’s no guarantee that they will take the title for the first time in seven years.

In modern times, Offaly have been far more successful in Leinster. They have nine titles to their credit since winning their first in 1981 while Wexford went 19 years before regaining the title in 1996 and retaining it the following year. The midlanders lost to them only once in five finals between 1981 and 1996.