Jacob calls the tune as Cork crash out

WEXFORD set up a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final as they put Cork to the sword, 2-11 to 1-9, at Nowlan Park on Saturday.

They outscored Cork 1-7 to 1-3 after the change of ends and their players stepped it up immeasurably. The only blip was the concession of a late goal while the management will worry about the fact their multiple All Star full-back Catherine O’Loughlin was carried off with an ankle injury.

The opening half-hour had been disappointing, with the concession of too many frees and injuries to Cork’s Jennifer O’Leary and Wexford Captain Mary Leacy, resulting in an extremely stop-start affair.

The Rebels were the ones who should have been happier with their performance but that was little solace to them as Ursula Jacob hit 1-1 just before half time to give the champions a one-point lead.

Katriona Mackey was enjoying the space on the wing and she hit two points in quick succession to edge the Munster side in front.

Cork were really starting to get on top at this stage and Gemma O’Connor split the posts from way out on the right sideline.

Then Wexford decided to go direct with great effect.

Una Leacy fetched a free and showed her vision to feed her Oulart the Ballagh clubmate Jacob, who stroked home. The latter then converted a free from an acute angle to see her side go in leading 1-4 to 0-6 at the break, which was hardly deserved.

Kate Kelly came into the game and Jacob continued her great display. Lenny Holohan and Deirdre Codd got the scoring going after the restart, with Kelly then opening her account.

Katrina Parrock grabbed 1-1 in the space of two minutes.

Gemma O’Connor and Orla Cotter kept Cork in touch by converting placed balls before the Munster side were given a ray of hope as Katriona Mackey got in and blasted past Mags D’Arcy.

However, up stepped Jacob and Kelly to see out the game.