Carley shoots down Tipp

Wexford 2-19, Tipperary 2-15

Yet, for the greater part of the contest they looked more likely to win until the outstanding free-taking of Paul Carley had Wexford in front for the first time in the 68th minute. After that, their greater momentum propelled them to a deserved success.

It could be argued that Tipperary paid the price for two early goal misses - the first from a penalty in the 5th minute after centre-back Darren Stamp was yellow-carded; that they lost their way at a crucial stage, and that the visitors gained their authority after impressive centre-back David Kennedy was surprisingly withdrawn. But, in essence, it was all down to Wexford's grater hunger and ball-winning ability when it mattered most.