Minor hurlers progress to Leinster final

Sun, 14th May 2017

DUBLIN 0-20 WEXFORD 1-14

Dublin progressed to the Electric Ireland Leinster MHC final after defeating Wexford in Saturday’s provincial semi-final in Parnell Park.

The Dubs were the better side throughout and at times played some sparking hurling – the final scoreline probably does not reflect Dublin’s dominance as the Slaneysiders hit the last five points of the game, four frees from Ross Bannville and a point from Jack Cullen.

Fintan Clandillon’s men will now face Kilkenny in the final at Croke Park after the Cats overwhelmed Laois in their semi-final.

Dublin’s attack was lively and pacey with Seán Currie (0-12, 0-7f) and fellow corner-forward Liam Murphy causing problems for the Wexford defence from early on.

Dublin’s accuracy of striking was good and by the break led 0-10 to 0-6, with five of Wexford’s points coming from Banville frees.

Currie likewise was in impressive form from deadball while the likes of Lee Gannon and David Keogh kept Dublin on the front foot around the middle sector.

However, Wexford started the second half the better with three points from Banville (one free) cutting the deficit.

Dublin replied through Currie and Diarmuid Ó Floinn and a brace of Murphy points had Dublin 0-16 to 0-9 to the good with just over 15 minutes remaining.

But back came Wexford with the route 1 ball to Cullen paying dividends as he rocked Dublin back with 1-1 in quick succession.

Dublin again steadied themselves with Currie and Keogh on target to give Dublin enough breathing space despite Wexford’s late flurry of scores.

SCORERS– Dublin: S Currie 0-12 (0-7f), L Murphy 0-4, D Ó Floinn 0-2, D Keogh, M Grogan 0-1 each. Wexford: R Banville 0-13 (0-12f), J Cullen 1-1.

DUBLIN: C O’Donoghue; T Glynn, B McHugh, A Dunphy; M Grogan, L Walsh, L Gannon;B Coffey, D Ó Floinn; E O’Neill, E Allen, D Keogh; L Murphy, K Desmond, S Currie. Subs: J Byrne for Desmond (ht), M Murphy for Ó Floinn (48), S Lambe for Allen (51), E O’Donnell for Keogh (62).

WEXFORD: J Henebery; C Scallan, G Sheehan, C O’Connor; M Codd, E Molloy, J Meyler; K Firman, E O’Leary; C McGuckin, D Doyle, S Nolan; J Devereux, J Cullen, R Banville. Subs: T White for Firman (40), S Wall for Doyle (40), E Dunbar for McGuckin (48), E Murphy for Nolan (51).

REF: Mick Murtagh (Westmeath).