Wexford slowly take control

CAMOGIE ALL-IRELAND SEMI-FINALS: Wexford 3-12 Kilkenny 1-11WEXFORD PUT their recent history of agonising semi-final defeats behind them with a commanding second-half performance in front of a crowd of 3,082 at Nowlan Park on Saturday. After ending a 22-year famine when they landing the title in 2007, Wexford were keen to add more titles.

Kilkenny captain Ann Dalton hit the opening three points, the first from a free and two 45s.

Wexford’s greater physical presence enabled them to gradually claw themselves back into proceedings and with Ursula Jacob slotting six points from placed balls, they led at half-time by 0-8 to 0-7.

Kilkenny hit seven wides in the second half, including three from Dalton. Such profligacy is never a good idea against a defence that has such powerful figures as goalkeeper Mags D’Arcy, full back Catherine O’Loughlin and centre back Mary Leacy.

WEXFORD: M D'Arcy; C O'Connor, C O'Loughlin, K Atkinson; N Lambert, M Leacy, A O'Connor; J Dwyer (0-1), D Codd; U Leacy (0-1), K Kelly (2-2), M O'Leary; K Parrock (1-0), U Jacob (0-8, six frees, one 45), F Kavanagh. Subs: B Gordon for O'Leary (48 mins); E Quigley for Kelly (57-58 mins); Quigley for Kavanagh (59 mins).

KILKENNY: C Ryan; L Lyng, C Doherty, J Frisby; E Keane, L Fennelly, E Aylward; A Farrell (0-2), A Dalton (0-4, one free, two 45s); M Quilty (0-2, frees), A Neary, K Power (0-2); C Dormer (0-1), S Farrell, M Dargan. Subs: K Hamilton for Dargan (36 mins); A Butler for Fennelly (45 mins); D Gaule (1-0) for Dormer (52 mins); A Dunphy for Farrell (55 mins).

Referee: F McNamara (Clare).