AN HISTORIC day at Chadwicks Wexford Park on Saturday noticed the principle county floor host a double-header of AIB Leinster Membership soccer finals.
t was a novel event for soccer followers in Wexford as each of our membership groups’ opponents additionally got here from the identical place, the Royal County of Meath.
Fethard have been attempting to equal the feat of 2017 champions Kilanerin, whereas Adamstown have been aiming to match the achievement of close to neighbours Rathgarogue-Cushinstown in 2019.
First up have been the seasiders Fethard who, in accordance with the bookies, have been up in opposition to overwhelming favourites Dunshaughlin. The Meath outfit had returned to Senior grade after a short absence, had simply gained their county title, and have been by no means actually troubled on their technique to the Leinster last.
They arrived with a deserved status as a severe soccer group and have been by no means going to be underestimated by their Wexford opponents. Fethard have additionally been spectacular this 12 months, profitable the native title in a really aggressive grade and rising in confidence in each sport.
With a big crowd to assist each groups and excellent circumstances, the stage was set for an honest sport of soccer.
Nevertheless, to name this an honest sport would do a disservice to each units of gamers. It was a superb sport of soccer, one of the best membership sport seen in Wexford Park for years and a pleasure to look at, particularly given the consequence was a Fethard win.
Each groups and managements deserve credit score for the spectacle we have been handled to: the managements for the way in which the gamers have been coached to play and their bodily conditioning; and the gamers due to their ability ranges, their dedication, decision-making beneath strain, and the exhausting work they should have put in to achieve such health ranges.
The primary-half noticed each groups swap some glorious scores, with John Tubritt and Cian Byrne exhibiting unerring accuracy from frees, punishing any indiscretions by their opponents. Luke Mitchell was equally good on the reverse finish for Dunshaughlin.
Because of the opportunism of Morgen Ellis, Fethard deservedly had a three-point lead after half-hour. The younger ahead completed a flowing transfer a with a traditional dummy, creating sufficient time and area to complete with an unstoppable shot to the again of the online.
It was the right first-half efficiency by Fethard as they continually ran at their opponents at each alternative. We questioned if Fethard may keep that degree of efficiency within the second-half as that was required to maintain their opponents at bay.
Inside one minute of the restart Dunshaughlin have been degree with a objective from Mathew Costello, however Fethard instantly struck again with two glorious frees from Jake Molloy, their third free-taker to contribute.
Dunshaughlin struck with one other objective after twelve minutes and Fethard have been confronted with one other check of resolve. Properly, they answered all of the questions their opponents threw at them and proved you may by no means doubt the character of a Fethard group.
Each single participant labored his socks off. They tackled, they coated, they raced ahead in assist, they inspired… they only by no means stopped attempting.
Consequently, they acquired the reward they deserved on the last whistle and are worthy Leinster champions, the one Wexford membership to win one in each grades.
It will be unfair to single out any particular person as they’d a panel of heroes on the day, so congratulations to all concerned on a proud achievement and a powerful 12 months, and better of luck within the All-Eire semi-final in early January.
Within the second sport, Adamstown’s good season sadly got here to an finish as they have been crushed by a really completed Castletown aspect.
It was a day when Adamstown didn’t do themselves justice, however they are often equally pleased with their journey this 12 months and revel in the truth that they’re now again within the Intermediate grade.
Properly carried out to Wexford County Board on facilitating each finals and making it a special occasion for all concerned.
