Tipperary–Wexford hurling rivalry

The Tipperary-Wexford rivalry is a hurling rivalry between Irish county teams Tipperary and Wexford, who first played each other in 1951. The fixture has been an irregular one due to both teams playing in separate provinces. Tipperary's home ground is Semple Stadium and Wexford's home ground is Innovate Wexford Park, however, all bar one of their championship meetings have been held at neutral venues, usually Croke Park.

Tipperary-Wexford
LocaleCounty Tipperary
County Wexford
TeamsTipperary
Wexford
First meeting24 March 1901
Tipp. 3-12 - 1-4 Wex.
1899 All-Ireland final
Latest meeting28 July 2019
Tipp. 1-28 - 3-20 Wex.
2019 All-Ireland semi-final
Next meetingTBD
Statistics
Meetings total12
Top scorerEoin Kelly (0-25)
All-time seriesTipperary: 8
Drawn: 1
Wexford: 3
Largest victory24 March 1901
Tipp. 3-12 - 1-4 Wex.
1899 All-Ireland final
3 July 2010
Tipp. 3-24 - 0-19 Wex.
2010 All-Ireland qualifier

While Tipperary are regarded as one of the "big three" of hurling, with Cork and Kilkenny completing the trio, Wexford are ranked joint fifth in the all-time roll of honour and have enjoyed sporadic periods of dominance at various stages throughout the history of the championship. The two teams have won a combined total of 32 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles.

As of 2014 Tipperary and Wexford have met eleven times in the hurling championship including meeting five times at the All Ireland final stage. Tipperary hold the upper hand having recorded seven victories to Wexford's three. There has been one drawn game.[1][2]

History

1899: Inaugural clash

The delayed 1899 All-Ireland final between Tipperary and Wexford took place on 24 March 1901 at Jones's Road. Tipperary were held for the first quarter of the game before taking a 2-6 to 1-3 interval lead. The match ended with disbandment as the Wexford players walked off the field with ten minutes remaining as they could not find a substitute to replace an injured player.

1951: Tipp halt Wexford's arrival

In 1951 Wexford made a long-overdue breakthrough when they captured the Leinster title for the first time in thirty-three years before later facing Tipperary in the All-Ireland decider on 2 September 1951. Wexford had the better of the opening exchanges when Nicky Rackard scored two goals to give his side a 2-3 to 0-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Tipperary responded with goals from Séamus Bannon, Tim Ryan and Ned Ryan to give the three-in-a-row hopefuls an interval lead of 3-6 to 2-6. Wexford tested the Tipperary defence after the restart, however, goalkeeper Tony Reddin made a number of saves to keep his side in it as Sonny Maher got a fourth goal for Tipperary after ten minutes. Three rapid goals in a spell between the 21st and 25th minutes from Tim Ryan, Bannon and Mick Ryan put the result beyond doubt and Tipperary secured their third successive All-Ireland following a 7-7 to 3-9 victory.

1960-1968: The rivalry of the decade

On 4 September 1960 Tipperary entered the All-Ireland final against Wexford as red-hot favourites, however, a bumper crowd of 77,154 witnessed one of the biggest shocks in the history of the championship. Wexford scored the first point from the stick of Oliver "Hopper" McGrath inside the opening minute and never surrendered that lead. Tipperary trailed by 1-7 to 0-8 at the interval, however, it was Wexford who got the better start when McGrath struck for a goal. The game ended with a pitch invasion but was eventually cleared as Wexford became the first team to beat Tipperary in an All-Ireland final since 1922.[3]

Two years later on 2 September 1962, Tipperary and Wexford contested the 75th All-Ireland final. Tom Moloughney and Seán McLoughlin netted early goals for Tipperary, however, they were unable to pull away from Wexford. Ned Wheeler levelled the scored with a 24th-minute goal, however, Tipperary finished stronger to secure a 2-16 to 1-6 half-time lead. Tipperary had a promising restart, however, Jimmy O'Brien scored a second goal for Wexford and they looked likely winners. Disaster struck for Tipperary when ace marksman Jimmy Doyle had the withdraw with a broken collarbone. Tom Ryan stepped into the breach for Tipperary's third goal to secure a 3-10 to 2-11 victory.

On 5 September 1965 Tipperary faced Wexford in the hope of claiming a fourth All-Ireland crown in five years. A two-goal burst from Seán McLoughlin helped Tipperary to an interval lead of 2-5 to 0-6. At the three-quarter stage Tipperary edged ahead by 2-11 to 0-9 and all hope of Wexford revival ended. Tipperary pushed on to secure the title with a final score of 2-16 to 0-10.

For the fourth and final time of the decade, Tipperary and Wexford clashed in an All-Ireland decider on 1 September 1968. Wexford could do little right in the opening thirty minutes and they trailed by 1-11 to 1-3 at the interval. A series of team switches at half time, including the introduction of John Quigley, helped transform the Leinster champions. Tony Doran exercised a decisive influence and goaled for Wexford after six minutes. A Paul Lynch free brought Wexford on level terms with Tipperary shortly after. Jack Berry scored Wexford's fourth goal after an initial save from Tipperary 'keeper John O'Donoghue. Eight minutes from time Tony Doran was in for his second and Wexford's fifth goal of the game. Tipperary fought back, however, goals from Seán McLoughlin and Michael "Babs" Keating weren't enough to halt one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the championship, as Wexford secured a 5-8 to 3-12 victory.

1997-2001: Tipperary dominance

After an absence of almost thirty years Tipperary and Wexford renewed their rivalry on 17 August 1997 in their very first All-Ireland semi-final meeting. Wexford were the reigning champions while Tipperary were reaping the benefits of the new "back door system" as defeated provincial finalists. Goals were key as Wexford's renaissance was brought to a premature end following a 2-16 to 0-15 victory for Tipperary.

On 12 August 2001 Wexford were reaping the benefits of the "back door" when they faced Munster champions Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final. The opening stages of the game were fiercely fought, with the teams exchanging points to leave the score at 0-5 apiece after twenty-two minutes. Subsequent points from Mark O'Leary and Eoin Kelly put daylight between the two sides while a John Carroll goal helped Tipperary to a 1-9 to 0-5 interval lead. On the restart Tipperary soon extended the lead by 1-12 to 0-6 before Wexford pegged a goal back from Larry O'Gorman. A mix-up in the Tipperary defence let Rory McCarthy in for a second Wexford goal to leave the game finely poised at 1-13 to 2-6. With the score standing at 1-16 to 2-8 with only five minutes to go, it looked like favourites Tipperary had weathered the Wexford storm, however, Larry O'Gorman goaled again to leave just two points separating the teams. An Adrian Fenlon point a minute later ensured a frantic finale as the match entered added time. Wexford, however, were not to be denied a second attempt as a Mitch Jordan point in the 73rd minute ensured a remarkable draw.[4]

The replay six days later on 18 August 2001 was played in atrocious conditions. Both teams struggled to deal with the wet and windy conditions but John Carroll broke the deadlock for Tipperary in the ninth minute by powerfully bursting through and kicking past Wexford 'keeper Damien Fitzhenry for a goal. Tipperary went six points ahead, however, Wexford then scored five points without reply from Paul Codd, Mitch Jordan and Larry Murphy, to bring the Slaneysiders to within a point. A series of physical tussles led to Tipperary's Brian O'Meara and Wexford's Liam Dunne being sent off. Moments later, Wexford's Mitch Jordan was also ordered off for lashing out. The game was well poised at Tipperary 1-6 Wexford 0-8 going into half-time, but Tipperary used their extra man brilliantly in the second half. Wexford only managed to score two points in the rest of the game, as Tipperary put the game well beyond doubt with Eugene O'Neill scoring two goals to secure a 3-12 to 0-10 victory.[5]

2007-2010: Honours even in two meetings

On 28 July 2007 Tipperary faced Wexford, a team generally viewed as the softest team left in the championship, in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Wexford squandered numerous goal opportunities in the opening half, while Tipperary goalkeeper Gerry Kennedy brought off a fantastic save from a piledriver from Stephen Nolan. Eight wides they accumulated, however, their goal came in the 18th minute when a long high ball was touched home by Rory Jacob. Within a minute Lar Corbett crashed the sliotar past Damien Fitzhenry at the other end to give Tipperary a 1-8 to 1-5 half-time lead. Three minutes into the second half Barry Lambert bagged Wexford's second goal. Seven times the teams were level in the second half and it looked as if the game was heading to a replay. With just a minute to go on the clock Darren Stamp caught a long ball on the 20-metre line in front of the Canal End and was subsequently fouled. A Tipperary player then spoke out of turn, the ball was moved in and Wexford goalkeeper and captain Damien Fitzhenry made his way up to take the free. His goal had Wexford leading by 3-9 to 1-14. Eoin Quigley added another point to secure a 3-10 to 1-14 victory and a first Wexford defeat of Tipperary in thirty-nine years.[6]

After facing provincial defeats, Tipperary and Wexford met in a do-or-die qualifier on 3 July 2010. The game began with an off-the-ball skirmish involving Tipperary full-back Declan Fanning and Wexford full-forward Stephen Banville which resulted in two yellow cards. Tipperary subsequently coasted to a 0-15 to 0-7 half-time lead. The game was effectively over as a contest just three minutes into the second half. Eoin Kelly grabbed a quick brace of points from play before, in the space of a minute, Lar Corbett cracked home his two goals. The final score of 3-24 to 0-19 got Tipperary's season back on track while Wexford exited the championship.[7]

Statistics
Team All-Ireland Provincial National League Total
Wexford 6 19 4 19
Tipperary 26 38 20 83
Combined 32 58 24 113

All time results

Legend
Tipperary win
Wexford win
Draw

Senior
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
1.24 March 1901Tipperary (1)3-12 - 1-4WexfordJones's RoadAll-Ireland final
2.2 September 1951Tipperary (2)7-7 - 3-9WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
3.4 September 1960Wexford (1)2-15 - 0-11TipperaryCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
4.2 September 1962Tipperary (3)3-10 - 2-11WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
5.5 September 1965Tipperary (4)2-16 - 0-10WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
6.1 September 1968Wexford (2)5-8 - 3-12TipperaryCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
7.17 August 1997Tipperary (5)2-16 - 0-15WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final
8.12 August 2001Tipperary1-16 - 3-10WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final
9.18 August 2001Tipperary (6)3-12 - 0-10WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final replay
10.28 July 2007Wexford (3)3-10 - 1-14TipperaryCroke ParkAll-Ireland quarter-final
11.3 July 2010Tipperary (7)3-24 - 0-19WexfordSemple StadiumAll-Ireland qualifier
12.28 July 2019Tipperary (8)1-28 - 3-20WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final

National League
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
19 April 1998Wexford2-13 - 0-10TipperaryEnniscorthyRound 5
21 March 1999Tipperary1-16 - 1-8WexfordSemple StadiumRound 3
12 March 2000Tipperary0-20 - 1-15WexfordEnniscorthyRound 3
18 February 2001Tipperary1-16 - 1-12WexfordSemple StadiumRound 3
18 March 2002Wexford3-13 - 1-10TipperaryWexford ParkRound 3
16 March 2003Tipperary3-21 - 1-11WexfordMacDonagh ParkRound 3
14 March 2004Tipperary4-18 - 1-13WexfordWexford ParkRound 3
13 March 2005Wexford2-19 - 2-15TipperarySemple StadiumRound 3
17 April 2011Tipperary0-17 - 1-14WexfordSemple StadiumRound 7
16 April 2017Tipperary5-18 - 1-19WexfordNowlan ParkLeague Semi-Finals
17 February 2018Tipperary3-21 - 1-21WexfordSemple StadiumRound 3
17 February 2019Wexford1-15 - 1-14TipperaryInnovate Wexford ParkRound 3

Intermediate
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
1.14 August 1961Wexford5-6 - 5-6TipperaryNowlan ParkAll-Ireland home final
2.21 August 1961Wexford (1)4-11 - 3-9TipperaryNowlan ParkAll-Ireland home final replay
3.18 August 1963Tipperary (1)0-17 - 2-3WexfordWalsh ParkAll-Ireland home final

Junior
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
1.12 December 1926Tipperary (1)5-3 - 1-1WexfordO'Kennedy ParkAll-Ireland final
2.18 August 1985Wexford (1)3-9 - 1-13TipperaryNowlan ParkAll-Ireland final

Under-21
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
1.4 October 1964Tipperary (1)8-9 - 3-1WexfordNowlan ParkAll-Ireland final
2.12 September 1965Wexford (1)3-7 - 1-4TipperaryNowlan ParkAll-Ireland final

Minor
No. Date Winners Score Runners-up Venue Competition
1.7 September 1980Tipperary (1)2-15 - 1-10WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland final
2.8 August 1999Tipperary (2)3-13 - 1-8WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final
3.11 August 2002Tipperary (3)4-13 - 0-13WexfordCroke ParkAll-Ireland semi-final
4.25 July 2009Tipperary (4)0-20 - 0-19WexfordO'Moore ParkAll-Ireland quarter-final

Records

Scorelines

Top scorers
Team Player Score Total
Tipperary Eoin Kelly 0-25 25
Wexford Paul Codd 0-19 19

Attendances
  • Highest attendance:
    • 77,154 - Wexford 2-15 - 0-11 Tipperary, All-Ireland final, Croke Park, 4 September 1960
  • Lowest attendance:
    • c.3,500 - Tipperary 3-12 - 1-4 Wexford, All-Ireland final, Jones's Road, 24 March 1901

References
  1. Moran, Seán (16 August 2001). "Against the odds: Wexford's ambushes of Tipperary". Irish Times. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  2. "Tipp held edge in previous ties Wexford successful in 1960 and '68". Irish Independent. 8 August 2001. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  3. Furlong, Brendan (5 October 2010). "Warm reception on cards for heroes of 50 years ago". Gorey Guardian. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  4. O'Hehir, Paul (12 August 2001). "Inspired Wexford force replay". Irish Times. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  5. O'Reilly, Noel (18 August 2001). "Tipperary put Wexford to the sword". Irish Times. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  6. "Now, can Wexford do this again next weekend?". Irish Examiner. 30 July 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
  7. "Tipp in cruise control against hapless Wexford". Tipperary Star. 8 July 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
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