Fitzhenry inspires Wexford to Leinster title

Offaly 1-11 Wexford 2-12

Wexford had Damien Fitzhenry to thank as they won their first Leinster title since 1997 at Croke Park against Offaly today.

Fitzhenry saved four great Offaly goal chances, including a penalty from Damian Murray, as Offaly dominated the first half.

Yet for all their domination Offaly led by just one point at half-time.

Wexford were so close at half-time thanks to Michael Jacob's first half goal. Jacob scored a goal on 17 minutes, pouncing on the rebound from brother Rory's shot on goal.Offaly

At half-time the score was 0-8 to 1-4, and Wexford's attitude had changed in the second half.

Even though the brilliant Fitzhenry was eventually beaten through a Gary Hanniffy strike on 51 minutes, Wexford grabbed another goal and were in the ascendancy.

They led by two points going into the last four minutes before Brian Whelehan's fine point put just one point between the sides.

Wexford bounced back immediately with a Rory Jacob point - his second in three minutes.

When substitute Paul Codd scored in injury time, there was no doubt the O'Keeffe Cup was going back to Slaneyside.

Jubilant boss John Conran praised his Wexford side. "They played out of their skins," said Conran.