Oulart The Ballagh 2-15 St Martin's 0-13
The spirit of Oulart-the-Ballagh was once again evident when winning their sixth title in seven years with a comfortable eight point victory over St Martin’s in the Pettitt’s Wexford SHC final at Innovate Wexford Park.
Oulart-the-Ballagh’s possession game aided by a solid defence and more penetration in attack saw them control this game for the entire sixty minutes, for at no stage were they led, and when they pounced for two excellently executed two first half goals the game was as good as over as they eventually went in with a six point interval lead.
When they opted to play veteran Rory Jacob in a midfield role, it raise many eyebrows, but he went on to give an excellent display, and along with long serving full-back Keith Rossiter, they provided the inspiration, while centre-back Shaun Murphy was responsible for some excellent clearances and interceptions at crucial stages of the game.
St. Martin’s strategy of pulling one of their inside forwards outfield failed to prove of benefit for it allowed Eoin Moore and Rossiter to dominate in front of goal. Their over indulgence in their approach play saw them waste much hard earned outfield possession proving a major contributory to their second senior final defeat in seven days.
After Dessie Mythen and Ciaran Lyng, free, exchanged opening points, the eventual winners struck the front with a seventh minute Garreth Sinnott point, a lead they were never subsequently to lose. Showing a far greater skill level leading to fast and accurate delivery of the ball they led 0-04 to 0-01 when they struck for the opening goal after seventeen minutes. Peter Sutton pulled a high ball from the air before placing inside to the inrushing Nicky Kirwan who flashed a ground shot to the net.
St. Martin’s showed some fighting qualities responding with Paudie Kelly and Joe O’Connor points, but a brillaint Garrett Sinnott 25th minute goal sent his side in with a 2-06 to 0-06 interval lead.
Three minutes into the restart St. Martin’s gave brief hope of a revival with points from Ciaran Lyng and sub Stephen Murphy. Nicky Kirwan and Rory Jacob responded with points while in between St. Martin’s immense spirit as they battled through for points from Stephen Murphy and a Paudie Kelly free, leaving the scoreline 2-08 to 0-10, after thirty-five minutes.
But with Oulart-the-Ballagh continuing to enjoy outfield dominance they went on to add a string of scores as St. Martin’s struggled up front. In the end they were worthy and comfortable winners regaining the title they lost last year.
Oulart-the-Ballagh: C O’Leary; E Moore, K Rossiter, B Kehoe; K Sheridan, S Murphy, M Jacob; D Redmond (0-1), R Jacob (0-1); P Murphy, T Storey, D Mythen (0-3); G Sinnott (1-2), P Sutton (0-2), N Kirwan (1-5, 0-3 frees, 0-1, 65). Subs: T Dunne for Murphy (22); P Roche for M Jacob (36); M Og Storey (0-1) for Dunne (43); D Nolan for Sutton (58); K Nimmo for T Storey (59).
St Martin’s: L White; W Devereux, D Hayes, C Firman; A Maddock, T Waters, P O’Connor; M Maloney, J O’Connor (0-2); J Firman, D Waters, H O’Connor (0-1); P Kelly (0-3 frees), C Lyng (0-5, 0-1 free), R O’Connor. Subs: S Murphy (0-2) for Maloney (ht); J Coleman for H O’connbor (42); S Stafford for J Firman (55).
Referee: P Kehoe (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown)
