Wexford, the holders, turned in a powerful performance in the second half to gain a fully merited victory over Laois in the O'Byrne Cup quarter-final at Gorey yesterday.
Laois seemed to be coasting when they led by 0-4 to 0-0 after the first quarter, with David Sweeney prominent at midfield and contributing two fine points. Such was their control in this period that Wexford hardly mounted an attack.
Wexford forced their way back into the game despite playing into a strong wind and two Collie McBride pointed frees left just two points separating the sides at the interval, 0-4 to 0-2.
With John Harrington and Ollie Kinlough gaining midfield control on the resumption, Wexford responded with some fine attacking football without reaping the reward on the scoreboard. However, points from Diarmuid. Berry and Collie McBride had the sides level by the 12th minute, and McBride and Kinlough then added a point each to put them 0-6 to 0-4 ahead.
Although Laois responded with a point from substitute Michael Lawlor nine minutes from the end - their only score in the last 45 minutes of the game - Wexford finished with points from McBride and substitute Jason Lawlor to clinch a semi-final spot.
