Wexford SFC Final

Shelmaliers 2-11 Gusserane 1-10

By Ronan Fagan at Chadwicks Wexford Park

Shelmaliers celebrated a second Wexford SFC title within the space of four years after super-sub Jody Donohoe netted a late clinching goal in Sunday’s decider at wintry Chadwicks Wexford Park.

The winners enjoyed a slight 1-5 to 0-7 interval advantage before facing a storming Gusserane burst as the champions of 2016 fought back to parity after 44 minutes (1-9 apiece).

But a decisive surge by Shelmaliers following the last water break saw Donohoe nudge them in front with a point before planting the decisive goal in the 50th minute.

The opening exchanges were tight as the sides shared the opening six points – Gusserane’s Mark Rossiter (mark), captain Páraic Conway and Tom Foran trading with Conor Hearne and Glen Malone (two).

But Shelmaliers, last year’s Senior hurling kingpins, edged ahead by 0-5 to 0-3 as Aaron Murphy and Malone (free) registered either side of the water break.

And while Gusserane went close to bridging the gap, their mettle was tested when Aaron Murphy crashed home a rebound in the 27th minute after an initial dash through the centre by Eoghan Nolan (1-5 to 0-4).

The response was inspiring as Gusserane shaved the gap to 1-5 to 0-7 at half-time through Mark Rossiter, Adrian Redmond and Adrian Flynn.

Conor Hearne flashed a goaling chance wide for Shelmaliers immediately after the restart before Jody Donohoe, Malone (free) and Páraic O’Leary eased them ahead 1-8 to 0-8.

But Gusserane launched a determined push with Mark Rossiter getting on the end of a Graeme Cullen delivery to rattle the net in the 41st minute and help tie matters on 1-9 apiece at the last hydration break.

Jody Donohoe made quite an impression for Shelmaliers having being sprung from the ‘bench at half-time, and after pointing them back in front, the substitute netted the key goal after 50 minutes following good work by Brian Malone and Eoghan Nolan (2-10 to 1-9).

A second yellow card meant Gusserane’s woes were added to when Cillian Kehoe received his marching orders, with Shelmaliers embracing the Seamus Keevans Memorial Cup - an item of silverware dedicated to a Gusserane legend.

The black and amber, managed by former Wexford footballer John Hegarty, now await the winners of Carlow or Louth in the Leinster championship on December 5th next.

Scorers for Shelmaliers: Glen Malone (0-5, 4 frees), Jody Donohoe (1-2), Aaron Murphy (1-1), Conor Hearne, Páraic O’Leary, Eoghan Nolan (0-1 each)

Scorers for Gusserane: Mark Rossiter (1-4, 0-1 mark, 0-2 frees, 0-1 ‘45), Adrian Flynn (0-2), Páraic Conway, Tom Foran, Adrian Redmond, Cillian Kehoe (0-1 each)

Shelmaliers: Craig McCabe; James Cash (capt.), André O’Brien, Graham Staples; Glen Malone, Simon Donohoe, Ross Banville; Seán Keane-Carroll, Aidan Cash; Conor Hearne, Brian Malone, Aaron Murphy; Kyle Roche, Páraic O’Leary, Eoghan Nolan.

Subs: Jody Donohoe for Roche (HT), Mark Power for O’Leary (49), Eoin Doyle for Murphy (54), Dan Campbell for Keane-Carroll (60).

Gusserane: Micheál Ryan; Adrian Redmond (0-1), Gavin Sheehan, Jack O’Connor; Kenneth Cahill, Mark O’Neill, Eoin Ryan; Cillian Kehoe, John Roche; Adrian Flynn, Graeme Cullen, Páraic Conway (capt.); Seán Ryan, Tom Foran, Mark Rossiter.

Subs: Jack Burford for Cahill (44), Jamie Sheehan for Flynn (50), Sam Wall for Foran (60+1).

Referee: Kevin Carty (Sarsfields).