Shelmaliers are just one victory away from reaching the Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship final…
They are set to face a formidable challenge when they take on Offaly champions Kilcormac-Killoughey in the semi-final on Sunday, November 22.
The Wexford champions booked their place in the last four following a remarkable comeback victory over Westmeath champions Lough Lene Gaels on Sunday, while Kilcormac-Killoughey needed extra-time drama to overcome Naas of Kildare.
The two sides will meet at Glenisk O’Connor Park in Tullamore, with throw-in scheduled for 1.30pm.
Shelmaliers show tremendous character in dramatic comeback
Richie Power’s side produced one of the performances of the Leinster championship so far when they travelled to Mullingar to face Lough Lene Gaels.
The Shels found themselves trailing by nine points at half-time, with the Westmeath champions taking a 3-5 to 0-9 advantage into the break.
Things became even more difficult when Paul Hearne was sent off in the 35th minute, leaving the Wexford side with 14 players for the remainder of the contest.
However, Shelmaliers refused to surrender their provincial ambitions.
Cian Doyle, who was a late change for the Shels, goal early in the second half brought them back into the contest, while Ross Banville continued to deliver from placed balls.
Lough Lene Gaels looked to have done enough when they moved five points clear, leading 4-13 to 1-17 with eight minutes remaining. But a goal from substitute Paddy Connors proved crucial in shifting the momentum, before Banville brought the sides level.
With the clock ticking towards the final whistle, Joshua Roche produced the decisive moment, firing over the winning point with virtually the last puck of the game.
The 2-21 to 4-14 victory was a significant statement from the Wexford champions, demonstrating the resilience and determination that will be needed if they are to progress further in Leinster.
Adam Screeney threat awaits the Shels
Standing between Shelmaliers and a place in the provincial final is a Kilcormac-Killoughey side that is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting teams in Offaly hurling.
The Offaly champions are a youthful and ambitious outfit, with plenty of attacking quality and a particularly dangerous forward line. One name that will immediately catch the attention of Shelmaliers supporters is Adam Screeney.
The talented forward was in sensational form against Naas, finishing with an extraordinary personal tally of 1-13 as Kilcormac-Killoughey secured a 1-32 to 3-25 victory after extra time. Screeney’s ability to score from play and placed balls makes him one of the standout attacking threats in the competition. Keeping him quiet will undoubtedly be one of the major challenges facing the Shelmaliers defence.
Kilcormac-Killoughey also demonstrated considerable character in their quarter-final. They were forced to play the closing stages of normal time and the entirety of extra-time with 14 men following Cillian Kiely’s dismissal.
With Naas seemingly on course for victory, Colin Spain produced a late equaliser to force extra-time, before goalkeeper Conor Slevin became the unlikely hero.
There is plenty to look forward to in what promises to be a fascinating semi-final.
The Wexford champions will be hoping that their experience, attacking quality and fighting spirit can carry them through another difficult provincial assignment. They will be hoping to replicate the success of last year’s Wexford champions, St Martins, who went on to win the Leinster Senior Hurling Club Championship in 2025.
In the other semi-final, Kilkenny’s Ballyhale Shamrocks will take on Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin). This will take place on Sunday, 22 November, in UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.
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