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Last year's All-Ireland winning captain Darragh Joyce was in action for Kilkenny today. Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Comeback Cats

Kilkenny launch comeback to claim extra-time Leinster minor hurling win over Wexford

There were also victories today for Laois and Westmeath.

KILKENNY SAW OFF Wexford after extra-time by 1-18 to 1-17 in their opening game in the Electric Ireland Leinster minor hurling championship today at Innovate Wexford Park.

Wexford had made the early running and were in front by 0-10 to 0-6 at the interval, after leading 0-6 to 0-4 after the opening quarter.

Then an early second-half goal by Seamus Casey stretched Wexford’s lead to seven points yet Kilkenny reeled them in to be 1-11 to 0-10 adrift entering the final quarter.

Wexford were still in control of the match until Andrew Gaffney pounced for a vital Kilkenny goal eight minutes from time. Wexford were still in the ascendancy by 1-13 to 1-11 entering injury-time but Gaffney slotted over a pair of late points to rescue a draw for Kilkenny.

In extra-time, the teams were deadlocked at 1-16 apiece at the midway mark of extra-time. Darren Codd edged Wexford ahead by a point before Gaffney tied the teams and then Daniel O’Connor proved Kilkenny’s hero with the match-winning score.

Elsewhere Laois enjoyed a comprehensive 7-26 to 0-5 win over Meath in Trim. Mark Kavanagh notched the two first-half goals for Laois as they went in front 2-15 to 0-2 at the break.

In the second-half Stephen Phelan, Andrew Mortimer (2), Eanna Lyons and Rory McEvoy weighed in with further goals as Laois cruised to victory. The last game of the day saw Westmeath see off Carlow by 3-10 to 1-14 in Netwatch Cullen Park.

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