Allianz Hurling League Quarter-Final

WEXFORD 1-23 GALWAY 0-23 By Ronan Fagan at Innovate Wexford Park

Wexford dethroned defending Allianz Hurling League Division 1 champions Galway at Innovate Wexford Park this afternoon with Rory O'Connor and Conor McDonald applying the decisive blows.

Ireland's Six Nations ace Tadhg Furlong, a former Wexford underage hurler, was amongst the thrilled local support in the 7,200 attendance as Davy Fitzgerald's men determinedly overcame 14-man Galway to secure a mouth-watering semi-final against Kilkenny next Saturday.

Wexford led Galway 1-9 to 0-11 at half-time courtesy of a late Conor McDonald goal. But the reigning All-Ireland champions overcame the loss of Jack Coyne to a red-card on 53 minutes as Conor Whelan forced parity for an eighth time after 61 minute (0-20 to 1-17).

But the Wexford held firm and ensured passage with closing gems from O'Connor and McDonald.

Exchanges were tight throughout, and the sides were inseparable after 18 minutes on 0-5 apiece.

Joe Canning (2 frees), Johnny Coen, Conor Whelan and Joseph Cooney delivered for the defending champions while Kevin Foley, Diarmuid O'Keeffe and free-takers Lee Chin, Paudie Foley and Rory O'Connor had Wexford firmly in the hunt.

While Wexford appeared to be gaining an edge when Rory O'Connor (2 frees) and O'Keeffe shot them clear by 0-8 to 0-5 on 25 minutes, Galway hit a purple-patch through Johnny Coen, Conor Whelan and two Cathal Mannion scores to seize the initiative by 0-9 to 0-8 after 30 minutes.

Wexford's intent was reaffirmed though when a line-ball was worked through to Rory O'Connor, whose fine goaling attempt was superbly parried by 'keeper James Skehill only for Conor McDonald to sweep the loose ball to the empty net in the 33rd-minute.

And Lee Chin, who was back from injury, stretched the gap to 1-9 to 0-9 before Joe Canning intervened from a couple of late placed-balls to shave the margin to 1-9 to 0-11 at half-time.

Galway tails were really up as they resumed with real vigour to reclaim the initiative by 0-14 to 1-9 after 39 minutes courtesy of Cathal Mannion, Johnny Coen and Joe Canning (free).

But Wexford now had the wind in their sails and they enlivened their passionate support as Paudie Foley (2 frees), Jack O'Connor and Kevin Foley swept them back in front on 44 minutes (1-13 to 0-14)

That gap remained entering the closing 20 minutes after long-range scores from Wexford defenders Paudie Foley and Liam Ryan helped the Davy Fitzgerald's men cling to a 1-16 to 0-17 lead.

And Galway suffered a real setback on 53 minutes when corner-forward Jack Coyne was dismissed on a straight red-card following an off-the-ball offence.

But Galway enjoyed a let off when Wexford defender Paudie Foley shot over as the net beckoned him (1-17 to 0-18) and extra-time remained a real consideration after sub Jason Flynn and Conor Whelan brought the Tribesmen level for the eighth time after 61 minutes (0-20 to 1-17).

Rory O'Connor and Conor McDonald then took the game by the scruff-of-the-neck as they added a brace of outstanding points apiece, while Kevin Foley fluffed his lines with a gilt-edged goaling chance as Wexford held strong by 1-23 to 0-23 with the game deep into injury-time.

Indeed, Joe Canning had little choice but to try to force extra-time from a last-gasp free. But Wexford 'keeper Mark Fanning resisted as the final-whistle confirmed the end of Galway's reign of league champions and added further intrigue ahead of the rematch of these sides in this year's championship at Wexford Park on June 2nd next.

But Kilkenny govern Wexford thoughts right now as the neighbours renew battle next Saturday at Wexford Park (4p.m.) only a short time after the Cats shaded the recent group-stage derby between the sides.

Scorers for Wexford: Rory O'Connor 0-6 (4fs), Conor McDonald 1-2, Pádraig Foley 0-5 (3fs), Diarmuid O'Keeffe 0-3, Lee Chin (1 free), Kevin Foley 0-2 each, Jack O'Connor, Liam Ryan, Harry Kehoe 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Joe Canning 0-10 (9fs, 1 '65), Conor Whelan 0-5, Johnny Coen, Cathal Mannion 0-3 each, Joseph Cooney, Jason Flynn 0-1 each.

WEXFORD: Mark Fanning, Simon Donohoe, Liam Ryan, Damien Reck, Diarmuid O'Keeffe, Matthew O'Hanlon, Pádraig Foley, Rory O'Connor, Kevin Foley, Jack O'Connor, David Dunne, Shaun Murphy, Paul Morris, Conor McDonald, Lee Chin. **Subs: **Willie Devereux for Reck (14), Aidan Nolan for Dunne (54), Harry Kehoe for J O'Connor (68), Cathal Dunbar for Morris (68).

GALWAY: James Skehill, Adrian Tuohy, John Hanbury, Jack Grealish, Pádraig Mannion, Gearóid McInerney, Aidan Harte, Joe Canning, Johnny Coen, Joseph Cooney, Cathal Mannion, Jack Coyne, David Burke, Conor Cooney, Conor Whelan. **Subs: **Seán Loftus for Grealish (ht), Jason Flynn for Burke (58), Brian Concannon for Cooney (59).

REFEREE: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary).