A blustery wind made conditions difficult for both sides in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow early on and Wexford coped better initially. Stacey Kehoe got them off the mark early on and then set up Katrina Parrock with a lovely flick for a another score. Úna Sinnott, who has just completed fifth year, profited from some good vision by player of the match, Kate Kelly to open up a three-point gap.

 

Dublin had a goal disallowed for a square ball but Ali Maguire opened their account from a close-in free. Yet it was Wexford finding it easier to pick off scores as Kelly lofted three points on the way to a personal tally of eight, including one majestic effort from near the sideline on the 45m line to open up a 0-7 to 0-3 half-time lead.

 

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Kelly extended the advantage by two but Dublin upped their intensity and it took two last-ditch interventions from Siona Nolan and Ciara Storey to deny them a goal.

 

Gradually, they began chipping away at the deficit, aided by two pointed frees by Aisling Maher. Showing tremendous character, they kept pushing hard and when Alan Lagrue awarded a 20m free four minutes from time, the long-serving Louise O’Hara sent a rocket to the net to leave a point between the sides (0-11 to 1-7).

 

Wexford showed all their experience though and while Dublin had one opportunity to equalise from a free, it was Colm McGee’s crew that saw out the game with points from the ultra-reliable Kelly and skipper, Shelley Kehoe.

 

 

Wexford will go on to face Galway in the semi-final, which takes place on Saturday, August 15th.