Semi-final replay a first for Cork and Wexford since records began

SATURDAY’S All-Ireland semi-final replay between Cork and Wexford is the first between the counties since championship records began.

Indeed Cork have never been involved in a replay at the penultimate stage of the championship, while Wexford were involved just once, against Galway in 1976.

That game was played in Pairc Uí Chaoimh and the teams ended level on a 5-14 to 2-23 scoreline with Wexford winning the replay by 3-14 to 2-14 before losing the final to Cork.

Mick Jacob, whose two sons Rory and Michael are current Wexford seniors, was centre back in that final while current Cork selector Seanie O’Leary played at left corner forward.

However, Cork and Wexford have been involved in a number of draws and replays at other grades and competitions.

The 1992/’3 NHL final between these great rivals went to three games in Thurles before Cork eventually emerged triumphant 3-11 to 1-12.

Wexford have been involved in several draws and replays in the National League over the years. In 1977 they drew with Kilkenny in the semi-final before losing 5-15 to 5-14 after extra time in the replay.

In 1985 they drew with Galway in the semi-final before losing out in the replay 3-11 to 2-5. In 1989 they drew with Cork in the semi-final 2-12 each and won the replay 1-9 to 0-6.

Wexford were also involved in a draw in 1990 with Kilkenny in the semi-final, 2-12 apiece, and the Model County won the replay 2-14 to 1-12.

1966 was a fascinating year for Cork and Wexford. They met three times in the All-Ireland U21 hurling final which eventually was won by Cork 9-9 to 5-9.

Earlier in the year they drew in the minor All-Ireland final before the Leinster side won the replay, 4-1 to 1-8.

Four years later the counties drew in the U21 final again, with victory going to the Leesiders in the replay, 5-17 to 0-8.

Senior semi-final replays are a rarity in championship hurling with only three recorded. In 1981 Galway drew with Limerick 1-8 to 0-11 and won the replay 4-16 to 2-17.

The most bizarre draw was in 1998 and involved Clare and Offaly who finished level 1-13 each in the first game.

In the replay Clare led 1-16 to 2-10 before the game was brought to a premature end by the referee who played five minutes short and in the re-fixture Offaly won 0-16 to 0-13 before going onto win the All-Ireland at Kilkenny’s expense.

The following year Clare were again involved in a draw and replay, this time at the quarter-final stage, when they finished all square with Galway 3-15 to 2-18 before winning the rematch 3-18 to 2-14.