Wexford start as they mean to go on against Antrim

Keith Rossiter was pleased with his young side's effort.

Mon, 21 Apr, 2025 - 07:34

Brendan Furlong

WEXFORD/KILKENNY LEINSTER SHC: Wexford 2-24 Antrim 0-19

Wexford manager Keith Rossiter has backed his young players to leave a real imprint on the provincial championship after his depleted side recorded an impressive and comfortable 11-point victory over Antrim in their opening round provincial senior hurling game played at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Wexford, a side ravaged by retirements early in the year, followed injuries to key players like Conor McDonald (back) and Liam Ryan (surgery), were dealt a further huge blow just 22 minutes into the game when referee Colm Lyons dismissed wing-forward Jack O'Connor after consultation with his umpires following a goalmouth incident.

"It was an amazing effort to get the job done playing so long with 14 players in difficult conditions. It was a big win for us, it's vital to take home points, for we have some difficult away games, Dublin next Saturday to be followed with Galway," said Rossiter.

Still leading by four points, 0-14 to 0-10 at the interval, Rossiter said: "We spoke of what we needed for the second half. The lads were immense took control of the game. They fought for every ball, Lee (Chin) and Conor (Hearne) were immense through the 70 minutes, while Conor (Foley) along with Cain (Molloy) and Eoin (Ryan)were outstanding in defence.

"It's early days, but we now look forward and prepare for Dublin next Saturday. Parnell Park is a difficult venue," added Rossiter.

Antrim opened impressively in front of 4,774 attendance, taking an early lead. After Sean Elliott was fouled, Colm Lyons awarded a second-minute penalty but Gerard Walsh saw his shot rise over the crossbar.

Wexford assumed control with midfielder Conor Hearne adding a brace of points, along with Chin efforts from midfield, and it was the home side who went in leading 0-14 to 0-10 at the interval.

Despite their numerical advantage, Antrim had just one attacker close to Wexford's goal, leaving Conor Foley and Eoin Ryan to mop up the ball, restricting them to some long range points from Molloy, Gerard Walsh and McNaughton.

Wexford really put the result beyond doubt when Foley won a long puck-out in the air, turned his marker before finishing to the corner of the net, leaving his side with a 1-20 to 0-16 advantage.

Wexford: M Fanning; E Ryan, C Foley, C Molloy; R Lawlor, D Reck, C McGuckin; C Hearne (0-3), S Donohoe; J O'Connor R O'Connor (0-3), C Dunbar (0-1); C Byrne (1-0), L Chin (0-16, 12 frees), K Foley (1-0). Subs: S Casey (0-1) for Byrne (60); J Redmond for O'Connor (66), D Carley for Dunbar (66), N Murphy for Lawlor (70), D Codd for K Foley (72).

Antrim: R Elliott; P Burke, N O'Connor, S Rooney; C Boyd, J Maskey, C Bohill; E Campbell, G Walsh (0-4, 0-1 pen, 0-2 frees), S Walsh, N Elliott (0-1), K Molloy (0-3),S Elliott (0-1), J McNaughton 0-8, 0-6 frees). Subs: E O'Neill for N Elliott (temp. 32-35), C McKeown for Boyle (ht), S McKay for Campbell (54), J McLoughlin (0-1) for S Elliott (56), O'Neill (0-1) for McNaughton (temp. 64-66), E O'Neill for N Elliott (68), R McGarry for Rooney (73).

Referee: C Lyons (Cork).