Goalie Alan Dunphy and full-back Bill Hughes combined for a couple of match-saving late interventions as Kilkenny defied determined Wexford to retain the Leinster minor hurling championship crown at Carlow's Netwatch Cullen Park on Wednesday.
Goals either side of half-time saw challengers Wexford forge into a 2-05 to 1-05 before Kilkenny responded with ten of the remaining fifteen scores to annex a 59th provincial crown.
Captain Harry Shine and Killian Doyle points settled Kilkenny as the holders crafted a 0-03 to 0-01 lead before seeing a 10th minute Killian Carey goal disallowed following a thrown pass by Shine.
Wexford were competing favourably, but they were lacking the necessary cut and thrust upfront and were overly reliant on steady free-taker Luke Roche as they trailed by 0-04 to 0-05 after 28 minutes.
Kilkenny appeared to have stolen a decided edge on the half hour mark when a free from Harry Shine was doubled on inside by Ted Dunne to net a 1-05 to 0-04 advantage.
But Wexford reacted with tremendous character as they threw the cat back amongst the pigeons. Roche pointed a fifth free before a placed-ball from deep by Seán Cooney was fielded by Adam O’Grady and kicked to the net on the stroke of half-time to tie matters on 1-05 apiece.
And Wexford made a further statement four minutes into the second-half when a free from Roche was latched upon by Simon Roche and stabbed to the net for the Model County’s first taste of the lead, 2-05 to 1-05.
But the Cats responded with seven of the next 10 points to battle back in front after 48 minutes, Shine leading the way with three points.
Roche had a blistering effort for the Yellowbellies cleared off the 'line by Joe Fitzpatrick, while sub Cian Doyle fired into the side-netting before a seventh free courtesy of Luke Roche tied matters once again after 51 minutes.
Kilkenny then struck a decisive unanswered burst of points through Danny Glennon, Shine (free) and Ted Dunne to push their lead to 1-15 to 2-09.
Wexford certainly didn’t give up the ghost as they almost snatched a second Leinster title within the space of two years – but Kilkenny ‘keeper Alan Dunphy denied sub Cian Doyle at the expense of a fruitless ‘65, before full-back Bill Hughes diverted a powerful shot from Luke Murphy over the crossbar in the dying seconds.
Celebrations then erupted for the black-and-amber who can now look forward to an All-Ireland semi-final showdown with Galway on 14 August.
Kilkenny: Alan Dunphy; Evan Rudkins, Bill Hughes, Seán Moore; Joe Fitzpatrick, Gearóid Dunne (0-1), Eoghan Lyng; Jeff Neary (0-1), Killian Doyle (0-1); Ted Dunne (1-1), Harry Shine (capt., 0-6, 4 frees), Killian Carey (0-1); Darragh Queally (0-1), Danny Glennon (0-3), Cillian Hackett.
Subs: Ben Whitty for Neary (47), James Walsh for Queally (51), Michael Brennan for Glennon (60+2).
Wexford: Tirnan Doyle; Robbie Chapman, Eoin Whelan, Cian Ó Tuama; Seán Cooney, Dylan Purcell, Páidí Doyle; Seán Rowley, Cillian Byrne; Darby Purcell, Adam O’Grady (1-1), Fionn Walsh; Simon Roche (1-1), Luke Roche (0-7 frees), Luke Murphy (0-1).
Sub: Cian Doyle for Walsh (18).
Referee: Thomas Gleeson (Dublin).
