Wicklow's Late Surge Secures Hard-Fought Victory Over Down in Kehoe Cup Opening Round
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The stage was set for an enthralling contest as Wicklow faced off against Down in their opening match of the Kehoe Cup at Aughrim. Both teams aimed to start the tournament on a high note, but it was Wicklow who emerged victorious, securing a 2-13 to 0-17 win with a last-minute point from Jack Doyle.
Fast start for Wicklow
From the opening whistle, Wicklow displayed their intent with an explosive start. Within the first seven minutes, they had already scored an impressive 1-3. The home crowd erupted when captain Pádraig Doran opened the scoring, followed closely by a crucial goal from Seánie Germaine, who capitalized on a chaotic moment in the goal area, sending the ball beyond the reach of Mourne’s goalkeeper, Pierce Smyth.
Down’s response
Despite a difficult beginning, Down demonstrated resilience and began to establish their rhythm. They mounted a determined comeback, scoring six consecutive points that shifted the momentum temporarily. Michael Dorrian eventually stopped Down’s scoring streak just before the 20-minute mark, rekindling hopes for Wicklow.
Turning point before half-time
As the match neared the half-time break, tension escalated. Brandon Ryan netted the second goal for Wicklow with a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Smyth with no chance. This crucial moment put Wicklow ahead comfortably, leading 2-8 to 0-7 at the interval and setting the stage for a challenging second half for Down.
Second half adjustments
Down entered the second half with renewed determination to narrow the deficit. Tim Prenter made a notable impact after coming off the bench, while wing-backs Barry Trainor and Marc Fisher each contributed two points. This surge in performance energized the crowd as Down aimed for a comeback.
Dramatic finale
As the match neared its end, the tension escalated. Fisher successfully converted a free kick during added time, bringing Down within a single point of Wicklow. Just as it appeared Down might secure a draw, Jack Doyle responded with a decisive late point, clinching victory for Wicklow.
Other fixtures in the hurling calendar also featured notable moments. Antrim’s match against Offaly was postponed after a coin toss favored the home side, allowing them to advance to the quarter-finals. Additionally, two matches in the McGurk Cup were rescheduled, with Monaghan set to face Louth and Tyrone taking on Fermanagh.
In the Munster League, Clare secured a victory over Limerick in a tightly contested match. A late penalty from Mark Rodgers clinched the win. The teams were evenly matched, with the score tied an impressive ten times. In another thrilling encounter, Tipperary battled to a draw against Waterford, who made a remarkable comeback after initially trailing.
Walsh Cup opening round highlights
The opening round of the Walsh Cup featured Dublin advancing after a decisive victory against Carlow. Diarmaid Ó Dúlaing delivered a stellar performance, contributing significantly to Dublin’s success. Carlow managed to keep pace during the first half, but Dublin’s strong showing in the second half allowed them to extend their lead, ultimately winning by six points.
In another match, Wexford triumphed over Laois in a gripping encounter that showcased their resilience. Simon Roche’s ten points from frees proved instrumental as Wexford turned the match around in the second half after trailing at halftime, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
As the tournament progresses, Wicklow’s recent victory sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Down will need to regroup and strategize to address the challenges ahead.
