'We showed our true colours'

When we eventually find John Conran passing through the roaring echoes of the Wexford supporters his face tells the whole story: exhausted and covered in sweat, but with the unmistakable smile that comes only with victory over Kilkenny. The Wexford manager is backed against the wall by the force of dictaphones but loses none of that expression of satisfaction.

"I must have a lucky shamrock in my pocket here or something," he starts, and clearly this is no time for holding back on emotions. "But today we got that goal just at the right time. I think we were 13 to 2 to win today. So you still write Wexford off at your peril. But if the team don't take it on board it doesn't matter what manager in the world you have on board. And these players were fed up with being beaten.

"And it was a team effort, especially after all the shite that went on there in various papers. We all knew there were questions being asked of us, but today we showed our true colours. Kilkenny are still a great team but that was a fantastic game of hurling."

Clearly, though, the preparations had worked a treat. Questions about his self-belief and the tactics adopted are answered as if the whole thing was carefully planned. And no one could disagree.

"We worked on our movement. And they'd trained extremely hard, and great credit is due Mick Kinsella and Jim Kilty for the work they've done. But we've also been dogged with injuries all year. So today was a great reward for all the work we did. I think we were very fit.

"But you have to remember with two minutes into added time we were still a point down. So that goal couldn't have come at a better time. Fantastic. They usually do that to us."

Even when that final sideline was being lined up, Conran had only one thing on his mind: "Believe it or not I was willing it into the net. I didn't want a draw. I just wanted the win. So it's fantastic."

Larry Murphy wanted that goal too. As one of the more enduring panel members, and one whose appearance in the second half helped maintain Wexford's drive towards the final line, he felt Wexford had deserved that break: "It's often that's happened to us in the past, beaten with last-minute goals or a point. More times than I can remember. You could see out there what it means to Wexford people.

"And I'm delighted too for John Conran, he deserves this moment more than anyone. And this was all about character and heart. But I think we showed again that we're not a flash-in-the-pan team, and can still hurl down in Wexford. We know we've won nothing. But at least we've restored a bit of pride in ourselves."

It's much later when Brian Cody is found in the corner of the Kilkenny dressing-room. His team have filed out with heads held high and Cody reflects the pride his team still hold even in defeat.

"Well, you can't be your best unless you're able to be," he starts. "I've said it many, many times over the last few years that all our games hinged on little bits and pieces coming together. We've had days when they have and seemed to win quite easily.

"But two years ago we only won by two points. So to me there's never been much between us. I've been proven right at last, unfortunately. So we've no cribs, no qualms. They deserved to win the game."

More astute observers will say that Kilkenny never hit full stride, that for long periods they were flat and tired.

"Well, we didn't play to the standard we would have liked to have played," agrees Cody, "all flat if you like. But look, we were well in the game. With 30 seconds to go we were still ahead.

"They just showed what I knew they were capable off. They turned it on last year against Cork and Waterford and everybody forgot about that. Like anything in life, it was bound to happen at some time."