SHELMALIERS COLLECTED THEIR maiden Wexford senior hurling title after a dramatic finish in today’s final replay at Wexford Park.
St Anne’s were chasing a first crown since 2000 but they were dismal in the opening half where Joe Kelly inspired Shelmaliers to a 2-7 to 0-3 half-time lead, albeit backed by a strong breeze.
Kelly bagged 1-7 of his side’s half-time total and it looked as though St. Anne’s race was run by the halfway point. Credit to them, they battled back from a seemingly impossible position and were within a score of the victors when the final whistle called time on their brave comeback.
After 48 minutes, Shelmaliers led by 3-8 too 0-6 but St Anne’s mustered a response and a late rally left them trailing by just three – 3-8 to 1-11 – heading into stoppage time.
St Anne’s dropped a late ball into the square in desperate search of an equalising goal but Kelly cleared and soon after the referee called time on an exciting second half.
Shelmaliers advance to take on 2012 Leinster champions Kilcormac/Killoughey of Offaly in the first round of the provincial club championship.