Offaly full-forward Neville Coughlan landed three goals in the opening 15 minutes at Enniscorthy yesterday. Offaly manager Gerry Fahey, in his first game in charge, will have been impressed as Coughlan ripped the Wexford defence apart.

Wexford recovered to edge in front with eight minutes remaining, but Offaly responded with late points to secure their quarter-final passage.

Coughlan, inside 30 seconds of the start, beat goalkeeper John Cooper from close range and completed his hat-trick with his second on 12 minutes and the third three minutes later.

Wexford managed to respond with a 23rd-minute Paddy Colfer goal but their over-indulgence in the short hand-passing game was punished by Offaly, who led 3-3 to 1-4 at the interval.

Wexford battled their way back into the game, mainly through the exploits of centre-back David Murphy, and Colfer and Matty Forde in attack.

Offaly were clinging to a two-point lead when Colfer struck for his second goal, in the 59th minute, which gave the home side the lead for the first time, 2-10 to 3-6. The sides exchanged points to draw back level but Offaly put in a strong finish with three unanswered points in the closing minutes.

Cillian Farrell pointed them back in front before substitute Alan Mulhall increased the lead. The insurance point came on the final whistle from Niall McNamee, who finished the game with a personal tally of 0-5.

Offaly, who seemed destined to be denied a victory despite their impressive start, showed a determination which must have pleased Fahey. They can now look forward to a quarter-final clash with DIT as they continue their build-up for the National League.

Wexford must show greater improvement before their test with Armagh in their opening league game on February 5th. They will also be hoping for a return of some of their regulars.

OFFALY: K Meehan; B Mooney, C Daly, M Flynn; M Mitchell, G Raftery, K Slattery; C McManus, A McNamee; C Farrell (0-2, one free), P Kelleghan (0-1), N McNamee (0-5, three frees); T Deehan, N Coughlan (3-0), J Reynolds (0-2). Subs: M Daly for A McNamee; A Mulhall (0-1) for Deehan; B Malone for Reynolds; C McNamara for Meehan.

WEXFORD: J Cooper; C Morris, D Breen, N Murphy; L O'Brien, D Murphy (0-1), G Sunderland; W Carley, R Hassey (0-1); D Fogarty (0-1), P Colfer (2-0), J Hudson (0-1); D Foran, P Naughter, M Forde (0-7, three frees, one 45). Sub: J Holmes for Naughter.

Referee: F Barrett (Kildare).