'Mossy' puts on a show as Laois get the better Wexford in Walsh Cup opener

Willie Maher’s tenure as Laois Senior hurling manager began on Sunday afternoon in Mountrath. Maher’s side welcomed the challenge of Wexford in the opening round of the Walsh Cup.

It was a very bright start to the season for the Laois men as well. They finished two-point winners over Wexford thanks to some heroic defensive efforts from Enda Rowland, Fiachra C Fennell and Donnchadh Hartnett, while youngster Tomás ‘Mossy’ Keyes shined up front.

Laois 0-20

Wexford 0-18

Laois struck first in Mountrath, as James Duggan won a free inside and slotted it over from close-range. Richie Lawlor replied to level for the Wexford men, but Laois’ Liam Senior edged them back ahead with their opening score from play.

Ross Banville levelled again for Wexford but James Duggan edged Laois back in front by converting another free. Wexford responded strongly though by rattling off the next three points unanswered, with Ross Banville (free), Cathal Dunbar and Damien Reck all raising white flags for the yellow bellies.

Laois went back ahead though following scores from Duggan (free) and one from Aaron Dunphy. Ross Banville replied for Wexford through a placed ball before they carved out their first real sight of goal.

Centre-back Damien Reck showed his power to march through the heart of the Laois defence and pick out Rory Higgins on the edge of the square. Higgins turned sharply but his shot was brilliantly blocked down by Laois corner-back Padraic Dunne.

Wexford did nudge back ahead thanks to a Conall Glancy score but Laois once more responded positively. James Keyes levelled after good work from Ciaran Byrne, while James Duggan crashed over his first from play moments later.

Ross Banville replied for Wexford with a pointed free, but Laois finished the first half on top. James Duggan delivered another score from play and Martin Phelan also got his name on the scoresheet. Goalkeeper Enda Rowland landed the final point of the first half as Laois led 0-11 to 0-8.

Wexford grabbed the opening score of the second half through Richie Lawlor. Laois opened their account for the second half through a James Keyes point from a placed ball.

Damien Reck blasted over a long-range free for Wexford but again Laois responded. Tomás ‘Mossy’ Keyes this time showed another burst of pace to make room and split the posts. While Banville knocked over another free for Wexford, James Keyes maintained Laois’ three-point cushion with an outstanding sideline cut.

Wexford closed the gap to the minimum with fifteen minutes remaining, as Banville added two more points to his tally. Laois were under pressure now but their defence stood tall.

Ryan Mullaney came marching out with the sliotar after Laois forced a turnover, with the ball eventually being transferred over to Tomás Keyes who curled over another point.

Jordan Walshe made a very positive impact when he was introduced for Laois, as the Clough-Ballacolla hurler showed his strength to ride a challenge before restoring Laois’ three-point cushion.

Wexford refused to go away though and brought the match back to level terms. Banville was brilliant, as he picked off two more points, while substitute Tomás Kinsella also raised a white flag.

Laois kicked on again through scores from Tomás Keyes and Jordan Walshe. While Cathal Dunbar brought it back to a one-point game, Tomás Keyes wasn’t seemingly going to let Laois lose.

‘Mossy’ threw an outrageous dummy out near the sideline before launching one over right in front of the Wexford sideline. Damien Reck reduced the deficit back the minimum though as we approached injury-time in Mountrath.

Lee Chin was introduced late on for Wexford and he almost helped them snatch the victory. Chin rose highest to claim a long ball in before finding another substitute, Josh Shiel, in acres of space. However, Shiel’s shot was excellently saved by Enda Rowland in the Laois net.

Rowland came to the fore again at the very end as well. Laois were awarded a free around the middle of the park, and Rowland strode forward to strike the sliotar over the bar and ensure Laois would take the points here.