Wexford's under-21 hurlers didn't lead in this Leinster final until James Purcell pointed them in front in the 58th minute. Subsequently left full-forward P J Carley added a goal as Wexford retained their provincial title. For more than three-quarters of the game Offaly looked likely winners. Back-boned by six senior panellists, the midlanders bossed the first half and deservedly led 0-9 to 0-3 at half-time.
Offaly were faster and better strikers in that opening half while Wexford struggled to produce the type of form which had seen off the Kilkenny challenge in the semi-final. Wexford introduced Jason Lawlor to the half-forward line at half-time and brought James Purcell from full-forward to midfield. The switches worked and the champions started to make inroads into the Offaly lead. Nevertheless Offaly led 0-15 to 0-10 with 12 minutes remaining.
But in those remaining minutes they were hit by an avalanche of Wexford scores, most notably a brace of goals in the 53rd and 60th minutes from Wexford's left full forward P J Carley.
Offaly found themselves in disarray in the final stages and unable to mount a realistic fight-back as their title dreams evaporated.
Remarkably, Wexford shot 2-10 in the second half while not recording a wide.
WEXFORD: M J Cooper; D Caulfield, D Berry, C Power; D Ruth, L Bryan, M O'Leary (0- 1); N Shiell, D O'Reilly (0-2); P Codd (0-5), C Byrne (0-2), E Cullen (0-2); I Murphy, J Pur- cell (0-1), T J Carley (2-0). Subs: J Lawlor for Murphy, E Doyle for Ruth, inj. OFFALY: S Byrne; B Whelehan, J Doughan, R Devery; S Whelehan, J Ryan, C Cassidy (0- 2); G Oakley, M Hand (0-1); D O'Meara (0-1), P Mulhearne (0-1) K Farrell (0-7); K Lambe (0-1), J Oakley, A Mannion. Subs: T Spain (0- 1) for Lambe, J Reilly (0-1) for J Oakley. Referee: P Ahern (Carlow)
