A slick Wexford side claimed victory in blustery conditions at Birr yesterday. A goal at the start of the second half scored by Tom Dempsey and at the finish by Jason Lawlor rubber-stamped the Wexford win.

Wexford, playing with the gale in the first half, led by 2-8 to 0-5 at half-time, with goals from Martin Storey and Justin Kenny.

Offaly made a comeback in the second half through the accuracy of Conor Gath. but Wexford had the extra edge notably in the forward line.

Wexford: P Carley; C Kehoe, E Furlong, S Flood; R Mallon, D Ruth (0-1), L Dunne; A Fenlon (0-1), R Quigley; M Byrne (0-1), D Ryan, J Kenny(1-3, 3 frees); J Lawlor (1-1), M Storey (1-1), T Dempsey (1-2). Subs: R Hassey for R Quigley, M Jordan for D Ryan (both half-time); L Leacy for C Kehoe (56 mins); P Redmond for M Byrne (60 mins).

Offaly: S Byrne; J Kelly, M O'Hara, C Cassidy; A Mannion, J Ryan, D Kelly; M Duignan, D Kealey; P Kelly (1-1), G Oakley, C Gath (0-8, 5 frees); B Murphy, J Troy, A Hanrahan (0-2). Subs: P Mulhaire (0-1) for P Kelly (51 mins); P Gath for J Kelly (54 mins).

Referee: John Walsh (Kilkenny).