Wexford boss proud of Slaneysiders' effort
The result may not have gone Wexford's way but team boss Seamus Murphy still heaped praise on his players for a dogged display in yesterday's Leinster SHC final.
Murphy, who took over from John Conran this season, watched his charges fall to a 1-16 to 0-22 defeat at the hands of perennial winners Kilkenny.
A lightning start had the Yellow Bellies seven points in front by the 14th-minute, but the Cats menacingly levelled by the break, and with Henry Shefflin completing his tally of eight points, ran out winners.
Murphy admitted: "That was as good a Wexford display as I've seen for many years. The lads were brave, fought for everything and we're bitterly disappointed.
"I always believed we could win, but more importantly the players believed they could win. They worked so hard, played so well, struck so many great scores - and still lost.
"It's devastating for the players but we must pick ourselves up for the quarter-finals."
Wexford, as Leinster runners-up, have qualified directly into the All-Ireland quarter-finals, with their July 24 opponents - either Clare or Waterford - to be decided upon next weekend.
Kilkenny captain Peter Barry, meanwhile, who was lifting the Cats' seventh Leinster crown in the past eight years, is hoping his side can continue their impressive form.
"We beat Wexford by 30 points in the league, but we knew it would be different game in a Croke Park final," admitted half-back Barry.
"It's nice to get our hands on the new Bob O'Keeffe trophy, having missed out last year, and be the first holders of this proud trophy.
"But we won't be running away with ourselves - there are some huge games ahead for us."
