The Wexford Football League secured the FAI Oscar Traynor Inter-League Trophy for the 2024/2025 season after a narrow and pulsating extra-time win over hosts Limerick at Jackman Park.

The game was tight and tense from the start, the midfield battle very competitive, with both defences rock solid in front of two outstanding goalkeepers, so it was no surprise the sides finished scoreless after 90 minutes. Extra-time beckoned and six minutes into that allotted time, Adam Lipper was unfortunate to score an own goal which sealed the title in the direction of Wexford.  

In an opening quarter hour which had every season from sunshine to hailstones, it was Wexford who had the first opportunity of the game when Ethan Vickers latched onto a loose ball in the Limerick box but fired over. The home side responded immediately with a foraging run from full back Tommy Frawley ending with a deflected effort easily saved by Jason Maguire.

In increasingly difficult conditions, chances were at a premium until an error from Gary Neville, the goalkeeper dropped a John Peare free-kick which caused mayhem in the Limerick box, only for Joey Rushe to clear. However, the resulting play from Wexford saw Ryan Busher unmarked at the back post, but he blazed over from 15 yards.

As the half-time whistle approached, both sides were denied by excellent defensive play. Limerick first when Coughlan released Vinny Ryan ,who was denied a goalscoring chance by a super Reece Murphy interception, while at the other end, Eliah Riordan blocked a fine Peare strike from the edge of the box.

The best move in the opening hour almost saw the deadlock broken, Kieran O'Connell released Joey Rushe who stood a great cross from the left up for Vinny Ryan, and just as the strikers effort look destined for the back of the net, Gary Delaney blocked brilliantly for a corner.

Wexford’s outstanding chance arrived eight minutes from time when Todd Hynes found space in the box and whilst his initial effort was blocked, it fell kindly for Abidoye who was denied by a goal line clearance from Adam Lipper. Limerick were quick to respond with their best opportunity of the second 45 as Foley raced clear to tee up his club-mate Coustrain who just had Maguire to beat, but the keeper stood tall to divert the ball out for a corner.

A minute into extra-time, Limerick had a great chance. Coughlan and Coustrain again combined before the latter saw his effort expertly saved by the feet of Maguire. Chances were being created by both sides and Todd Hynes tried his luck from 25 yards only to be denied by Gary Neville. However, from the resulting corner, the ball was only cleared out to Peare who returned it with interest to the back-post, where Gary Delaney’s header hit the back post and despite the best efforts of Adam Lipper, they could not deny Wexford the opening goal.

Try as they might, Limerick battled bravely until the end but a resolute Wexford defence stood tall, including a goal line clearance, and following impressive away wins in the semi-final and final, they were crowned deserved FAI Oscar Traynor Inter-League Trophy winners.

Teams

Limerick District League: Gary Neville, Tommy Frawley, Joey Rushe, Adam Lipper, Eliah Riordan, Ewan O'Brien (Adam Foley 63), Leon Daly (Dylan Murphy 80), Shane Walsh (Conor Carew 90), Vinny Ryan (Joel Coustrain 68), Kieran O'Connell, Conor Coughlan.

Wexford Football League: Jason Maguire, Connor Casserly, Todd Hynes, Gary Delaney, Reece Murphy, Ethan Vickers, Ryan Busher (Raphael Abidoye 72), Alan Rhodes (Luke Greene 119),Eoin Rhodes (Stephen Kinsella 119) John Peare (Glen O'Brien 103), Paul Brennan (Niall Connolly 103)

Referee: Ray Conlon