Larry O'Gorman, one of a cluster of survivors of Wexford's 1996 All-Ireland triumph committed to rejuvenating the county's hurling fortunes on the field of play, is firmly of the belief that "this taste of silverware will do wonders for the young players just brought into the squad".
O'Gorman had just proved that his game is improving with age by playing a significant role in Wexford's seventh-successive Walsh Cup final in Enniscorthy. Along with the Guineys, Rod and Dave, and Liam Dunne he contributed to a staunch rearguard action that made Laois fully realise the extent of their acute attacking problems.
Laois could claim that their intensive winter-training programme got bogged down in the very heavy pitch, but for them to stand any chance in next Sunday's opening National League tie in Rathdowney against the same opposition, a 100 per cent improvement is essential.
Wexford's standards, to a lesser extent, suffered as a result of the soft going, but a greater awareness ran deep in their game which assumed levels of authority with which Laois could not cope in the second half.
Midfielder Martin Byrne, who switched to attack in the second half in a swap with Rory McCarthy, drove the first nail into the Laois coffin with a superb goal, struck on the half volley with 12 minutes remaining.
Laois were only two points adrift when Byrne produced this special piece of artistry. The Rathnure man's great score was particularly reassuring for the Wexford followers who had watched their side shoot no less than 16 wides, most of them of an unbelievable nature.
Paul Finn beat Laois full back Nick Lacey to slot home just on time, but not before substitute Mick Jacob had the final say with a classy point.
Laois substitute Fionan O'Sullivan claimed the most spectacular point of the match with a first-time pull after only 30 seconds of the restart. O'Sullivan's score stretched Laois' half-time advantage to two points, 0-6 to 0-4.
But Wexford's response was prompt with Barry Goff belting over a point straight from the puck-out. This sprightly secondhalf opening was, however, out of character with a generally sub-standard encounter.
All-Ireland club football champions Crossmolina came up with three late points from Joe Keane, John Leonard and Tom Loftus to snatch a late, late 0-12 to 2-6 draw against Limerick in an entertaining challenge at the Gaelic grounds yesterday.
Limerick led 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval. Dan Murphy claimed a second goal for Limerick on 42 minutes only for them to be denied by those late scores.
Limerick, who meet Antrim in their opening NHL game next Sunday, had little difficulty in seeing off the challenge of Dublin in a senior hurling challenge at the Gaelic Grounds.
Brian Begley had Limerick's goal after 41 minutes and, while Dublin tried hard, they were unable to get within striking distance.
The Fitzgibbon Cup game between MICE and UCG fixed for Limerick last Saturday was postponed because of ground conditions and will be played tomorrow instead.
Wexford: D Fitzhenry; C Kehoe, R Guiney, D Guiney; M Jordon, L Dunne (0-1, 65), L O'Gorman; A Fenlon, M Byrne (1-1); R McCarthy, R Stafford, P Finn (1-3, three points frees); C McGrath (0-2, one free), L Murphy, B Goff (0-2 one free). Subs: M Jacob (0-1) for L Murphy (56 mins); K Furlong for L Dunne (67).
Laois: J Lyons; PJ Peacock, N Lacey, P Mahon; N Rigney, P Cuddy, R Delaney; E Meagher, C Cuddy; J Young (0-1), D Cuddy (0-6, four frees), D Conroy; A Coffey, S Cuddy, D Culleton. Subs: F O'Sullivan (0-2) for Conbroy (33 mins); J Phelan (0-1) for Young (45); P Phelan for S Cuddy (64); C Clear for A Coffey (65); D Killeen for J Phelan (69).
Referee: P Neary (Kilkenny).
