Wexford give Kilkenny minors 71-point mauling

The Electric Ireland Leinster MFC began on Saturday with most of the headlines dominated by the plight of the Kilkenny team.

Through the years, Kilkenny have been subjected to some unmerciful hammerings but their 17-20 to 0-0 defeat by Wexford in Nowlan Park again called into question the emphasis, if any, placed on football in the county. Having failed to field a side in the past two campaigns, there was some merit in their participation but once two goals were conceded inside the first three minutes, their challenge dwindled as they succumbed by 71 points.

It was far tighter in Parnell Park with second-half goals from Aaron Bradshaw and Seán Bugler helping Dublin account for Offaly 2-14 to 1-7.

The Dubs enjoyed a wind-assisted 0-8 to 0-3 interval lead with inside-forwards Tom Keane and Kevin Callaghan impressing as they shared four points from play.

The introduction of subDan O’Brien added greater variety to the Dublin attack and his perfectly timed pass to Bradhsaw within two minutes of the restart saw the Ballinteer St John’s player fire an unerring finish past Barry Rohan.

Rohan was in superb form for Offaly, making three point-blank saves to deny the impressive Callaghan and he also repelled a 41 st minute penalty from Conor Hynes.

His efforts and a goal from midfielder Micheál Mooney proved insufficient however as Bugler converted a 53rd minute penalty with wing-back Conor Lennon kicking two late points to confirm Dublin’s progression.

In Aughrim, Kildare withstood a spirited Wicklow challenge to prevail 2-16 to 0-7. The visitors enjoyed a 0-8 to 0-4 interval advantage and they booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to a brace of Ciarán Kelly goals in the second half.

The clash between Laois and Meath proved as tight as expected with the visitors impressing after the break to narrowly go through 0-11 to 1-6. The hosts led 1-3 to 0-3 at the interval, thanks largely to a James Kelly goal but they failed to maintain their control with two late Jason Scully frees sealing their fate.

Goals proved the key for Westmeath as they registered a 3-9 to 0-12 win over Longford.Dylan Carroll and James Maxwell netted in the first-half and as Longford staged a spirited revival, Westmeath landed a decisive body blow through a third goal from Daniel Reid.

The remaining tie saw Louth defeat Carlow 1-14 to 1-8 at Netwatch Cullen Park with Sam Mulroy’s first-half goal handing the visitors an unassailable lead.

Leinster MFC qualifier draw:

Carlow v Laois, winners to play Kilkenny. Longford v Offaly, winners to play Wicklow.