Wexford and Galway recorded wins over UCD and Westmeath respectively as they made their competitive bows for 2015 in the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup this afternoon.
Joe Kelly top-scored for Wexford with 1-07, in their 1-21 to 0-15 win over UCD in Gorey.
Wexford were in stunning form and powered to a 0-10 to 0-00 lead into the second quarter.
Liam Dunne’s side led by 0-17 to 0-05 at the interval, and drove on after the restart.
Laois duo Ross King (0-08) and Paddy Purcell (0-03) powered a stern UCD comeback, but the students failed to get within seven points of the hosts during the second period.
Wexford led 0-19 to 0-12 entering the final quarter, and although UCD pressed hard Wexford’s defence stood firm.
Jack O’Connor had a goal chance for UCD in the 55th minute but Niall Breen made a superb save in the Wexford goalmouth.
Wexford worked hard until the end, with Kelly netting the game’s only goal eight minutes from full-time.
It now means it’s winner takes all in next Sunday’s final group game between Wexford and Laois in Abbeyleix.
At Cusack Park, Mullingar, Galway claimed a 1-21 to 1-16 win over Westmeath.
The sides were evenly matched in the opening 10 minutes but Galway moved 0-09 to 0-04 ahead in the second quarter, and led until the end.
In an entertaining encounter not more than five points separated the sides during the opening period, with Galway 0-11 to 0-09 ahead at half-time.
The visitors added three quick points on the restart, and although Westmeath cut the gap to ensure a 0-16 to 0-13 score-line entering the final quarter, Galway finished strongly.
The Tribesmen’s only goal arrived seven minutes from the end through top-scorer Jason Flynn (1-12) to open up a 1-20 to 0-15 lead, and Galway stood firm late on.
