WEXFORD KEPT THEIR four-in-a-row hopes alive with a gritty 1-11 to 1-10 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final victory over Offaly at Portlaoise.
They will now play old rivals Galway, who had a much easier time of it in recording a 2-19 to 0-9 victory over Tipperary in the third game of the O’Moore Park triple-header.
With no seeding in the semi-final draw, that leaves Cork and Kilkenny, who both progressed to the last four directly by virtue of their 100% runs through the group stages, on the other side.
Wexford got off to a brilliant start and Stacey Kehoe’s 14th minute goal pushed them 1-4 to 0-1 clear but Offaly showed their determination in response. Three points from Elaine Dermody, along with two from Tina Hannon brought them to within two points at the interval, 1-5 to 0-6.
It was nip and tuck throughout the second half but when Michaela Morkan goaled in the 42nd minute, Offaly were in front and a shock looked on the cards. Ursula Jacob equalised but Dermody restored the Faithful’s advantage 13 minutes from time.
With Kate Kelly inspirational at midfield, Wexford found the wherewithal to prevail. Kelly brought the sides level before Jacob slotted her sixth point to snatch the honours.
Tipperary began well against Tipperary and led three times inside the opening eight minutes thanks to Nicole Walsh (twice) and Noreen Flanagan.
Galway gradually imposed themselves on the situation from there though. Three points from Niamh McGrath and a goal on the half-hour by player of the match, Ailish O’Reilly gave the westerners a 1-11 to 0-5 half-time lead.
McGrath and Molly Dunne added points after the resumption and when O’Reilly blasted to the roof of the Tipperary net for her second goal, it was game over.
The first game in Portlaoise saw Tipperary beat Galway in thrilling U16A final, 4-6 to 2-8.
Meanwhile, Waterford star Trish Jackman claimed the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada title for the fifth consecutive time on the Cooley Mountains.
