'Dancing at the Crossroads' and 'The Purple and Gold' blasted out from the PA system as Wexford retained their place in the Liam MacCarthy Cup this afternoon on a dramatic afternoon of Leinster senior hurling championship action.
Darragh Egan's men saw off the challenge of Kilkenny at Wexford Park by two points on a scoreline of 4-23 to 5-18.
Leinster SHC
Wexford 4-23
Kilkenny 5-18
FULL TIME
It’s all over!!!!!!!!!!
We win!!!!!!!!
COME ON WEXFORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) May 28, 2023
The result and Antrim's win against Westmeath in Cusack Park sees the Lake county relegated to the Joe McDonagh Cup for the 2024 season.
There was jubilant scenes at the final whistle as Wexford supporters invaded the pitch, swarming the players.
Wexford players react to dramatic Liam MacCarthy survival
"It's hard to even think, let alone talk," Wexford's Simon Donohoe told Liam Spratt on South East Radio.
"It's the only performance we've put in all year. It's a great relief that we're not relegated but we should be doing this every game. That's the only thing I'll take from this. This should be our bare minimum.
"We have the players, we have the capabilty. We didn't become a bad team in the last couple of weeks or months, things just didn't click for us.
"I'll sleep tonight and I'll be picking spuds during the week."
Ian Carty paid tribute to his teammates and supporters.
"I'm proud of everyone. Fair play to all the supporters, everyone that's involved. It's brilliant.
"Fair play to the boys, when the chances came they absolutely f**king stuck them this time.
"I shouldn't have cursed, sorry," he laughed.
Wexford will now be hoping to see a serious improvement in 2024 as their hurling summer draws to a close before the start of June following a disastorous campaign.
In the other Leinster game, Galway came from behind to beat Dublin at Croke Park. It means the Tribesmen will meet Kilkenny in the provincial final.
SEE ALSO: Huge Outpouring Of Joy After Carlow Claim Joe McDonagh Cup Final
27 May 2023; Paul Doyle of Carlow lifts the cup after the Joe McDonagh Cup Final match between Carlow and Offaly at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
