Monday
Wexford 5
Mayo 1
After an early scare in this tie Wexford ran out comfortable four goal winners.
What a start to this contest as both sides could have taken the lead within the opening minutes. Wexford had a breakaway effort well kept out. Down the other end Mayo had an effort hit the posy before the follow up was wll blocked. The floodgates eventually opened after seven minutes when Patrtick O’ Leary finished well into the net. Less than ten minutes later the lead was doubled when Ade Adedji blocked the dfender before firing into the net. Just on the cusp of half time it was that man O’ Leary again as he doubled his account for the day by rounding the oncoming goalie.
After the break Mayo did battle back into it but eventually the fourth goal came on the break as Adedji found space before slotting home. Mayo were now starting to create chances but the southeast side stood strong defensively . The Westerners' pressure paid off when Aidan Gaughan controlled a long free kick before reducing the gap. The lead was short lived as the final goal came from Evan Thorpe after some great work by Ryan Duncan.
Tuesday
Wexford 2
Inishowen 1
Wexford maintained their impressive momentum in the tournament with a well-earned 2-1 win, built on two early goals from Evan Thorpe and Adyeyosola Adedeji. Their sharp attacking play in the opening quarter combined with a composed defensive effort laid the foundation for the result.
The match began at a high tempo, with both teams eager to gain the upper hand. It was Wexford who found their rhythm first, and they made their early dominance count in the 10th minute. A clever passing move opened space for Thorpe on the edge of the area, and he calmly dispatched a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Just four minutes later, Wexford doubled their lead. Adyeyosola Adedeji timed his run to perfection, latching onto a precise through ball before finishing coolly to put his side firmly in control. With a 2-0 advantage, Wexford began to dictate proceedings and enjoyed a strong spell of possession.
After the interval, the contest became more physical and tightly contested, with the opposition pushing forward in search of a way back. Wexford’s defensive unit, however, held strong. Thorpe remained influential in midfield, pressing relentlessly and breaking up play, while the defence and goalkeeper stood up well to sustained pressure.
The opposition did manage to pull one back late in the second half, capitalising on a brief lapse in concentration. The goal breathed life into the game and set up a tense final stretch, with both sides battling to gain control.
Despite the pressure, Wexford managed the final minutes with confidence and composure. They stayed organised at the back, limited space in key areas, and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Though no further goals were scored, Wexford’s early quality and late-game discipline were enough to seal the win.
It was a performance that showcased Wexford’s blend of attacking flair and defensive resilience—qualities that will serve them well as the tournament progresses.
Wexford 1
Inishowen. 4
Wexford showed plenty of heart and determination in a tough fixture that ultimately ended in a 4-1 defeat, with Adyeyosola Adedeji scoring a well-taken equaliser midway through the first half.
The match began with high intensity, and although the opposition struck early to take the lead, Wexford responded impressively. Refusing to let their heads drop, they grew into the game and began to move the ball with confidence. Their efforts were rewarded in the 14th minute when Adedeji, always a threat in attack, latched onto a clever pass and finished smartly to level the scores.
At 1-1, Wexford looked well in the contest and enjoyed a strong spell of play, pressing high and creating opportunities. The midfield battled hard to gain control, and the team looked composed in possession. However, as the game wore on, the opposition’s physicality and sharp finishing began to tell.
Despite conceding again before the break and twice more in the second half, Wexford never stopped working. Their backline showed moments of real resilience under pressure, and the players continued to push forward in search of another goal, showing strong spirit and character throughout.
Adedeji’s equaliser was a standout moment and a reflection of the attacking potential within this Wexford side. The scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of the contest at times, with Wexford producing promising spells of play and refusing to give up.
While the result didn’t go their way, the performance showed plenty of positives to build on particularly the fighting attitude and flashes of quality in the final third. With continued effort and focus, Wexford will be eager to bounce back in their next outing on Wednesday
Wednesday
Bowl Quarter Final
Wexford 1
West Cork 0
Wexford secured a narrow 1-0 victory over West Cork in an intense match marked by tight defense and key moments of skill. The only goal of the game came in the twentieth minute when Patrick O’Leary found the back of the net, giving Wexford an early lead. This goal proved crucial as the teams battled hard for control throughout the first half and beyond.
Wexford maintained their advantage at halftime, although the match saw some controversy with an offside goal disallowed, keeping West Cork in the contest. Despite this, Wexford remained composed and in full control for much of the game. The team created two additional excellent scoring opportunities but was unable to extend their lead.
West Cork pushed hard in the closing stages, searching desperately for an equalizer. However, Wexford’s defense held firm, highlighted by a crucial last-minute save from Sam Hourihan that preserved their clean sheet and secured the win. The match was a testament to Wexford’s disciplined defense and the decisive impact of Patrick O’Leary’s early goal.
Overall, it was a hard-fought victory that kept Wexford ahead in the competition standings.
Thursday
Bowl Semi Final
Wexford 0
Kildare 1
Wexford produced a strong and determined display despite falling to Kildare in a tightly contested encounter.
The southeast side started brightly, carving out two golden opportunities in the first half that should have seen them take the lead. Their aggressive pressing and sharp attacking movement caused early problems for Kildare, with only a combination of good defending and excellent goalkeeping denying them a deserved opener.
Wexford dominated large spells of the first half, showing composure in possession and impressive discipline at the back. Their midfield trio worked tirelessly, disrupting Kildare’s rhythm and initiating promising breaks. Despite the scoreline, Wexford looked the better side for much of the match, displaying grit and tactical awareness.
The second half, however, proved costly. Kildare took advantage of two defensive lapses to net twice in quick succession, punishing Wexford’s momentary drop in concentration. Still, the home side never looked outclassed. They pushed forward with urgency and nearly pulled one back late on, only to be denied once more by the visiting keeper.
While the result didn’t go Wexford’s way, the performance was full of positives. With better finishing, this could easily have been a different outcome. Wexford can take pride in their effort and will build from this.
Friday
Bowl Place Match
Wexford 3 Pens 4
North Tipperary 3 Pens 3
Wexford eventually won their final game of the tournament on penalties after a crazy last four minutes where both sides netted twice.
Wexford led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a composed finish early in the half through dangerous striker Patrick O’ Leary. It was the southeast side that then controlled the game but couldn't double the lead before the brea.
The second half saw North Tipp fight back bravely, equalising with a header from a corner just before the fortieth minute
But it was the final four minutes that will live long in the memory, as the match exploded into chaos. Wexford regained the lead in the 86th minute with a superb counter-attacking goal that was finished by Cian Keranon from outside the box. The lead was doubled minutes later when an O’ Leary shot fell into the path of Evan Thorpe who found the back of the net.
Wexford appeared to have snatched victory going into stoppage time but a well timed half volley and then an outrageous free kick saw the tie level as the ref blew the full time whistle /
In the penalty drama, both sides missed early efforts, but Wexford held their nerve, scoring their final penalty while North Tipp's last effort was saved superbly by the Wexford goalkeeper.
The victory sees Wexford finish in eleventh place , but both teams earned applause for a thrilling contest full of passion, goals, and late drama.
Penalties: 1st Ryan Duncan (Scored)
2nd Cian Kearnon (Miss)
3rd Dylan Walsh Roe (Scored)
4th Devi Walsh Rowe.(Scored)
5th Pattrick O’ Leary (Scored)
Following the final whistle, manager Des Byrne shared his reflections on the team's performance throughout the week. He noted their consistency and resilience, highlighting that they had only suffered two defeats — one of which could have gone either way.
"I was really pleased with the lads this week. We came away with four wins and just two losses. We were a bit unlucky in the semi-final against Kildare," Byrne said.
He also praised the squad's conduct during the tournament, commending their discipline and attitude. "I have to say, their behaviour all week was top-class, and this win was a fitting way to cap off three years of hard work," he added.
Wexford squad: Sam Hourihan (Gorey Rangers), Billy O’Connor (Shamrock Rovers), Jack Murdiff (Gorey Rangers), Eoin Reynolds (Glynn Barntown); Conor Hyland (Moyne Rangers), Will Dunphy (North End United), Ryan Finnegan (Wexford Albion), Billy James (Gorey Rangers), Macdara Quinlan (Gorey Rangers), Devin Rowe (Campile United), Dylan Rowe (Campile United), Luke Driscoll (North End United), Tadgh O’Connor (Cushinstown), Páidí Bernie (Gorey Rangers), Evan Thorpe (Ferns United), Ade Adajeji (Moyne Rangers), Patrick O’Leary (Curracloe United), Cian Kearon (Gorey Rangers), Ryan Duncan (Gorey Rangers), Patryk Dzwonnik (Courtown Hibs).
David Byrne
Coaches Donal Mythen, Mike McCabe, Joe McNulty, Rhyss Smyth.
Administrator; Mandy Byrne,
First Aid: Michael O’ Neill.
Head of Delegation Anne Marie O’ Neill
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