Fireworks started and ended a thrilling encounter in Chadwicks Wexford Park as Wexford scored 1-1 in the final minute to defeat Kilkenny.
In the first night the state of the art floodlights were launched, a late Richie Lawlor goal sent Wexford fans wild as they defeated Kilkenny 1-25 to 2-18 in the Walsh Cup.
The game was sold out for days, as fans were eager to see the highly anticipated new facilities in the pre-season competition.
21 January 2023; Mikey Butler of Kilkenny takes a sideline cut during the Walsh Cup Group 2 Round 3 match between Wexford and Kilkenny at Chadwicks Wexford Park in Wexford. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
For the 13,000 fans that attended the game, they were treated to a quick start, with Lee Chin and Oisín Pepper impressing early on for the home side as they earned a 0-06 to 0-04 lead after 15 minutes.
Despite the quality that was on display tonight, Wexford had missed several chances in the first half, that saw Kilkenny take a 0-09 to 0-08 lead. However, a late flurry of scores in the first half from Conor McDonald and Charlie McGuckin gave Wexford a 0-13 to 0-12 lead at the interval.
In the second half, scores from Ian Carty, Diarmuid O'Keeffe, Dwyer and Richie Lawlor gave Wexford a four point lead, but Kilkenny drew level through the first goal of the game from Tom Phelan.
Despite Wexford continuing to miss chances, they were able to retake the lead through Corey Byrne-Dunbar and Ross Banville after 59 minutes. The drama was far from over however, as Kilkenny took full advantage of a mistake from Wexford defender Liam Ryan as Billy Sheehan scored Kilkenny's second goal.
With Kilkenny leading by three points with a minute remaining, it looked like celebrations under the new floodlights would be cut short.
However, incredible late drama was to unfold as Richie Lawlor scored the goal Wexford needed, before Conor Hearne scored the winning point.
A Game For The Ages!😍
There was fireworks to start the game and there was fireworks to finish as Wexford strike with 1-1 in the final minute to send a packed Wexford park in to raptures!
If you missed it live👉https://t.co/yMkMTpFmTc
FT@OfficialWexGAA 1-25@KilkennyCLG 2-18 pic.twitter.com/IPFURC7SDb— Clubber (@clubber) January 21, 2023
In a time when pre-season competitions have created headlines for the wrong reasons, it's refreshing to see such a positive attitude from both teams in front of a sold out crowd.
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