Ferns St Aidan's have been crowned as Wexford senior hurling champions, overcoming St Martin's on a scoreline of 1-20 to 0-22 in a thrilling contest this afternoon.
It was a back and forth game, with both sides leading at various stages. However, a remarkable solo goal Patrick Breen would ultimately prove to be the difference between the two teams.
It is the club's first ever triumph in the senior championship, having been beaten in the final on two previous occasions.
Ferns win first ever Wexford senior hurling title
The game got off to a fast start, with Joe Coleman of St Martin's scoring an excellent point inside the first minute of the contest.
1 nóim@FernsGAA 0-00@StMartinsGAA 0-01
Pointe deas ag Joe Coleman sa chéad nóimead!
St. Martin's open the scoring! 👌#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/xpEXzIZx4W— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
The two sides would remain within touching distance throughout the game, with this point from Luke Kavanagh drawing St Martin's level once again late in the first half.
24 nóim@FernsGAA 0-08@StMartinsGAA 0-08
Tá na foirne ar chomhscór! 🤩
Luke Kavangh's point draws St. Martin's level! 👌#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/q4FLvHstpS— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
The key moment in the game would come just before the interval.
Patrick Breen provided it, embarking on an excellent solo run before kicking the sliothar into the net from close range. It was quite the effort.
29 nóim@FernsGAA 1-08@StMartinsGAA 0-10
Patrick Breen le cúl iontach i gcomhair Fearna! Scileanna Peile á thaispeáint leis an ceann seo! 🤩
Been puts his side back in front with a wonderful solo-goal!#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/QL2W8FmtOg— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
The two sides continued to tit-for-tat throughout the second half, with Ferns eventually taking the lead just before injury time.
Chris O'Connor managed to turn the ball over the bar in the 59th minute, with the club going on to hold onto that lead for the remainder of the game.
59 nóim@FernsGAA 1-19@StMartinsGAA 0-21
Pointe ó Chris O'Connor chun Fearna a chuir chun tosaigh!
A point between the sides as we approach injury time!#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/dTvHd3nmfk— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
Ferns have been in the senior ranks since 2008, having been crowned intermediate champions the previous year.
This was only the third time they had reached the senior decider, coming up short against Oulart-the-Ballagh 2013 on their most recent appearance. However, they were not to be denied this afternoon.
Speaking to TG4 after the game, Paul Morris summed up what this would mean to everyone at the club.
Lán Ama
"It means everything to the parish, the village and the club"
Is é Paul Morris Laoch na hImeartha inniu, Comhghairdeas leat Paul! @FernsGAA #GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/MlQcHlQogh— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
It's unbelievable, it's the best feeling in the world. It's a 'pinch me' moment to be honest.
Our club had never won a senior title. This is our third final, the last one we lost was in 2013.
I said during the week that I thought then we would be in another few. It took until 2022 to get back to one.
Comhghairdeas le @FernsGAA - Craobh Iomána Loch Garman buaite acu don chéad uair riamh! 🔴⚪#GAABEO@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @OfficialWexGAA
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/LJQtPm52Ql— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 14, 2022
We're sure there will be plenty of celebrations in the days ahead.
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