Shelmaliers 3-8
St. Anne's 1-11

Joe Kelly is the toast of Shelmaliers after his haul of 2-7 inspired them to a first Wexford SHC title in today's replay at Wexford Park.

Kelly, whose late point forced a replay last weekend, scored 1-7 in the first half alone as the wind-assisted Shels stormed into a 2-7 to 0-3 interval lead after playing with a strong wind. The winners' second goal was scored by Eoghan Nolan just before half-time.

St. Anne's, who were seeking their first title in 14 years, fell further behind when Kelly grabbed his second goal to leave the winners perched on a 3-8 to 0-6 lead with 13 minutes remaining.

But Anne's refused to give up the ghost and, aided by a quick-fired 1-2 from Diarmuid O'Keeffe, had reduced the gap to three points when they dropped a late ball into the square. However, their hopes of salvaging an equalising goal were dashed when that man Kelly came clear with the ball and the final whistle sounded moments later.

Shels will now face three-in-a-row Offaly champions Kilcormac/Killoughey in the Leinster club SHC quarter-final.

Shelmaliers - B Murphy; S Donohoe, A Murphy, B Barron; C Walsh, C Lawlor, A Cash; E Doyle, B Doyle; J Kelly (2-7, 0-5f), B Malone (0-1), E Nolan (1-0); C O'Shaughnessy, S Banville, J Cash. Subs: T Barron for E Doyle, C Byrne for S Banville, D O'Brien for E Nolan.

St. Anne's - J Codd; T Cullen, R O'Connor, K Cloney; K Whelan, A Rochford, K Hannigan; J Fogarty, R Barry; M Fogarty, D O'Keeffe (1-5, 0-5f), M Furlong (0-1); L Rochford (0-1), L Og McGovern (0-2), P O'Keeffe. Subs: D O'Connor (0-1) for K Whelan; D Fogarty (0-1) for M Fogarty, P White for M Furlong, F Simpson for L Rochford.

Referee - J Owens.

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