Roche goal spurs Wexford as Galway’s gallop halted

GALWAY’S hopes of a clean sweep of All-Ireland hurling titles died at O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, on Saturday where Wexford won the intermediate title for the first time in 41 years in thrilling fashion.

Those in authority who advocate the discontinuation of this grade would do well to have a rethink after two excellent teams served up a game that had everything that is good about hurling, and while Wexford won an All-Ireland title after playing just two matches, there was no denying their right to what is only their third success in the grade.

The outcome of this final can be traced back to the fifth minute when Wexford corner-back Paul Roche came up and blasted home a goal from a penalty.