Monday
Wexford 5
Mayo 1
Despite an early scare, Wexford emerged as convincing four-goal winners in their latest group match.
The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides nearly opening the scoring in the opening minutes. Wexford saw a breakaway effort well saved, while Mayo hit the post at the other end before the rebound was bravely blocked.
The breakthrough came in the seventh minute when Patrick O’Leary fired home a composed finish. Less than ten minutes later, the lead was doubled as Ade Adedji muscled past a defender before slotting the ball into the net. Just before the break, O’Leary struck again, rounding the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3–0 and giving Wexford full control at halftime.
Mayo came out fighting in the second half and began to grow into the game. However, Wexford struck again on the counter, with Adedji finding space and calmly finishing to notch his second of the match.
Although Mayo started to create more chances, Wexford’s defence held firm. The Westerners did eventually pull one back, with Aidan Gaughan expertly controlling a long free kick and finishing to reduce the deficit. But any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed when Evan Thorpe added a fifth, finishing off a well-worked move created by Ryan Duncan.
It was a clinical and disciplined performance from the Southeast side, who started their campaign with confidence.
Tuesday
Wexford 2
Inishowen 1
Wexford continued their strong form in the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, thanks to a quickfire double in the first half from Thorpe and Adyeyosola Adedeji. The result was built on a disciplined defensive performance and clinical finishing in the opening exchanges.
The game started with real intensity as both sides looked to stamp their authority early on. Wexford settled fastest and made their pressure count in the 10th minute. A well-worked move found Thorpe in space just outside the box, and the midfielder made no mistake with a composed finish that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Just four minutes later, Wexford struck again. This time it was Adyeyosola Adedeji who got on the scoresheet, showing great pace and awareness to latch onto a through ball and calmly slot home to double the lead. At 2-0, Wexford looked in full control and began to dictate the tempo of the game.
After the break, the game became a battle of attrition, with Wexford’s backline standing firm under growing pressure. The midfield, led by Thorpe, worked tirelessly to close down space and disrupt the opposition's rhythm, while goalkeeper and defenders remained alert to snuff out any danger.
To their credit, the opposition responded well and pulled a goal back late , taking advantage of a brief lapse in Wexford’s concentration. The goal injected new energy into the contest and set up a tense final few minutes
Despite the narrow margin, Wexford showed maturity beyond their years to manage the closing stages. They stayed compact, maintained their shape, and looked to break on the counter whenever possible. A few half chances came at both ends, but neither side could add to the scoreline.
Wexford 1
Limerick District 4
Wexford put in a spirited performance in a challenging fixture that ended in a 4-1 defeat, with Adyeyosola Adedeji grabbing a well-taken equaliser midway through the first half.
The game opened at a high tempo, with the opposition striking early to take the lead. However, Wexford responded with confidence and determination. Rather than letting the early goal affect them, they grew stronger as the minutes passed, settling into a rhythm and gaining control in midfield.
Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when Adedeji, always lively in attack, timed his run perfectly to meet a clever through ball and calmly slotted home the equaliser. It was a deserved reward for Wexford’s growing influence in the game.
With the score level at 1-1, Wexford enjoyed a promising spell, applying pressure high up the pitch and playing with composure. The midfield worked tirelessly, and there were encouraging signs across the pitch as they looked to take the lead.
Unfortunately, a second goal before the break and two more in the second half saw the opposition pull away. Still, Wexford refused to back down. Their defence stood strong in moments of pressure, and the team showed real grit as they continued to push forward, looking for a way back into the match.
Adedeji’s goal stood out as a highlight and a reminder of the attacking quality Wexford possessed. Despite the final scoreline, the match featured several positive takeaways—resilience, work ethic, and a refusal to give up even when the odds were against them.
The performance offers a solid foundation to build upon, and with continued focus and determination, Wexford will be aiming to bounce back in their next fixture on Wednesday.
Wednesday
Shield Quarter final
Wexford 1
West Cork 0
Wexford edged out West Cork with a narrow 1-0 win in a closely contested match defined by solid defending and pivotal moments of skill.
The match’s only goal arrived in the twenty first minute when Patrick O’Leary expertly put the ball in the net, giving Wexford an early advantage. This goal proved vital as both teams fought intensely for control throughout the first half and into the second.
Wexford held onto their lead at halftime despite some controversy when an offside goal was ruled out, keeping West Cork firmly in the game. Nevertheless, Wexford stayed composed and controlled much of the play. They created two more promising chances but couldn’t increase their lead.
In the final minutes, West Cork launched a strong push to find an equalizer. However, Wexford’s defense stood strong, capped by a crucial last-minute save from Sam Hourihan that preserved their clean sheet and clinched the victory. The game showcased Wexford’s disciplined defense and the significance of O’Leary’s early goal.
Ultimately, it was a hard-fought win that secured Wexford’s position near the top of the competition standings.
Thursday
Shield Semi Final
Wexford 0
Kildare 2
Two second half goals proved the difference in this tight Leinster semi final on Thursday
Wexford showed plenty of promise in the early stages of this hard-fought encounter, creating two golden chances in the first half that could have set the tone for a different outcome. Their attacking play was sharp and inventive, testing the Kildare defence with pace and precision. The home side’s midfield dictated much of the first half, with Wexford pressing high and winning key battles across the pitch.
Despite their dominance, Wexford were unable to convert their early opportunities—an unfortunate theme that would cost them dearly. The second half saw Kildare capitalise on rare moments of space, netting twice against the run of play. Both goals came during a brief spell where Wexford lost their defensive shape, allowing Kildare to strike clinically.
Nonetheless, Wexford’s performance was far stronger than the scoreline suggests. Their work rate, tactical discipline, and determination kept them in the contest throughout. With a bit more luck in front of goal, this could have easily been a different result. The match ultimately underlined the potential in this Wexford side, who will take plenty of positives from a brave display despite the final scoreline.
Friday
Shield Place Match
Wexford 3 Pens 4
North Tipperary 3 Pens 3
In what was the craziest last five minutes of a game in the tournament Wexford eventually ran out winners on penalties.
Wexford went into half-time 1-0 up, courtesy of a composed early finish from their in-form striker Patrick O’Leary. The southeastern side dominated much of the first half but were unable to extend their advantage before the break.
North Tipperary responded with determination in the second half, drawing level with a well-placed header from a corner just before the 40-minute mark.
What followed in the final four minutes was nothing short of madness. In the 86th minute, Wexford surged ahead once more as Cian Keranon fired home a stunning strike from outside the box after a swift counterattack. Moments later, a shot from O’Leary deflected into the path of Evan Thorpe, who made no mistake in making it 3-1.
Victory looked assured for Wexford, but North Tipp had other ideas. A well-timed half-volley pulled one back before an incredible long-range free kick found the net in the dying seconds, levelling the game just as the referee blew for full-time.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, both sides missed early chances, but Wexford kept their cool. They slotted home their final spot-kick, and their goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to deny North Tipp’s last attempt.
Wexford finished eighteenth after an unforgettable encounter, though both sides were rightly applauded for a gripping, high-octane showdown.
After the final whistle we get the thoughts of manager Des Byrne. He explains how they performed well all week and only lost two games one of which could have gone either way. “ I was happy with the team this week. We finished up with four wins and two losses, one we were unlucky in the semi final against Kildare.”
Byrne applauds the young lads' behavior during the whole week of the competition.” I have to say all week they have behaved excellently and this win was a nice way to finish the three years of hard work.”
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).
Manager 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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