Wexford gave All-Ireland champions Cork a guard of honour before their Division One National League clash in Killurin yesterday.
But the pleasantries stopped there as the home side went on to top Group Two defeating the Red and White 0-10 to 1-4, while qualifying for the league final against either Tipperary or Kilkenny on April 25.
Their hard-fought win in blustery conditions means they acquired maximum points from all of their three games.
The visitors, meanwhile, needed to beat the Purple and Gold to force a three-way play-off that would involve Galway, Cork and Wexford.
But having to line out minus the injured Mary O’Connor was a big blow to their ambitions.
The Slaneysiders opened well. After playing with the gale, they led 0-8 to 1-1 at the break – notable was the display of both defences, but in particular Áine Codd and Mary Leacy, who stood out in the Wexford half-back line.
Kate Kelly was in good form at midfield, scoring five points, where she made a formidable partnership with Caroline Murphy.
Gemma O’Connor netted the Cork goal on 25 minutes, but this failed to inspire Cork to greater things.
They had points from Orla Cotter, Eimear O’Sullivan and Rachel Moloney, but Wexford were staunch and resolute and with Ursual Jacob firing three points, they held out for a merited win.
Elsewhere, Laois proved unpopular visitors to Offaly, beating last year’s All-Ireland junior finalists, 2-6 to 1-5, thus guaranteeing their place in next weekend’s Division Three final against Down.
Maggie Hogan bagged a pair of goals for the winners, whilst Louise Mahony hit three points.
The Division Four decider – also next weekend - will involve Kildare and Westmeath. New President Joan O’Flynn was on hand in Celbridge to see her home county Lilywhites overcome Tyrone 2-9 to 1-6, where Susie O’Carroll scored seven points, and Cliona McSweeney’s 2-1 also proved crucial.
There were wins for Wexford and Antrim over Cork and Clare, respectively, in Division Two.
Meanwhile, Mayo made history on Saturday in Tooreen in their first underage outing at inter-county level, which ended with a 3-1 to 1-2 triumph over Cavan in the U-16 C championship.
