Wexford ... 2-11 Offaly ... 1-10Wexford turned in a splendid second-half performance to make up interval arrears of seven points and overcome Offaly in yesterday's quarter-final of the O'Byrne Cup in Tullamore. The result spoiled Offaly manager Paul O'Kelly's hopes of making a winning start.
Offaly opted for a mixture of experience and new blood in fielding a semi-experimental side which proved stronger in defence than attack. The forward weakness which has plagued them in recent years again manifested itself, with the forwards restricted to scoring just three points from play in the course of the 70 minutes.
Wind advantage played a major role in determining the pattern of play. With the backing of a strong breeze Offaly established an interval lead of 1-7 to 0-3, their goal coming from wing back Karol Slattery in the 24th minute, and four of their points being scored from frees by midfielder Ciaran McManus.
The roles were reversed on the change of ends when the visitors made all the running. Goals by John Hegarty from a penalty after five minutes and Mattie Forde when he fisted home Paddy Colfer's centre eight minutes later saw the initiative change hands.
Once in front Wexford never looked in danger of defeat and they deservedly qualified for a semi-final meeting with either Meath or Longford.
WEXFORD: J Cooper; N Maguire, P Wallace, R Mageean; R Mallon (0-1), D Murphy, L O'Brien (0-3); W Carley, T Howlin (0-2); J Hudson, D Breen (0-1), M Forde (1-2); R Levingstone, P Colfer, J Hegarty (1-1). Subs: D Kinsella (0-1) for Hudson; P Forde for Levingstone; N Murphy for Mageean; P Carley for P Forde; T Mahon for M Forde.
OFFALY: C McNamara; C Daly, M Gorman, J Hurst; N Coughlan, F Ryan, K Slattery (1-0); C McManus (0-5), J Greene; C Quinn (0-4), G Rafferty, A McNamee; P Kellaghan, R Malone (0-1), M Mitchell. Subs: A Mahon for Greene; J Kenny for Ryan; J Reynolds for McNamee.
Referee: P O'Reilly (Longford)
The Meath-Longford O'Byrne Cup game scheduled for Navan yesterday was postponed because the pitch was unplayable.
