The final was certainly on a knife-edge throughout and although Wexford held a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after nine and a half minutes' play, they were certainly tested by a very committed and strong Leitrim team who turned a four-point deficit into a two-point interval lead.

Leitrim's first and only point of the opening ten minutes came from half-forward Anna Conlon, but Wexford were strong and excellent points from Deirdre Fox, Caroline Murphy, Sharon Kehoe, Liz Evered and Kate Kelly gave Brendan Dardis' charges the early advantage.

However Leitrim suddenly bounced back strongly with four points in a three-minute spell with veteran player Cox in excellent form from placed balls, while Eileen Donoghue and Sarah McLoughlin were also on target as the sides were level for the second time.

Wexford regained the lead thanks to a Josie Dwyer effort but Leitrim responded well and following a superb save by goalkeeper Louise Loughlin from a Kate Kelly goal shot, the Leitrim side bossed the tie until the interval with another Cox pointed free and two Sarah McLoughlin points from play ensuring a 0-8 to 0-6 half-time lead for them.

Caroline Murphy responded well for Wexford with the first point after the restart but Leitrim still held the lead. Yet the purple and gold-clad side quickly broke in front thanks to a well-worked goal from Kate Kelly, who shook off the challenge of two defenders to score.

But Wexford's lead was to be short-lived as the freetaking machine that is Ann Marie Cox scored her side's next four points and along with scores from Eileen Donoghue and Sarah McLoughlin, Leitrim soon built up a 0-15 to 1-8 lead.

Wexford managed to point two frees in quick succession but Leitrim continued to remain strong and an excellent point from play from Cox summed up Leitrim's day. Wexford never gave up but Leitrim's defence remained resilient and they went on to lift a first adult title since 1988.

LEITRIM: L Loughlin; C Holohan, S Brennan, M McKeon (0-1); C Tyrell, L Brennan, T Mylott; M Quinn, A Brennan; A Conlan (0-1), S McLoughlin (0-5), E McGlade; AM Cox (0-8, 7f), E Donoghue (0-2), M Reynolds.

Subs used: M Stenson for Holohan (half-time.

WEXFORD: MR Kelly; M Murray, M Leacy, A Waters; M Kelly, L Tector, M Doyle; D Fox, C Scallan, L Evered, J Dwyer, S Kehoe; K Kelly, C Murphy, M Hearne.

Subs used: N Scallan for Doyle (28 mins), G Moore for M Kelly (47), B Curran for Evered (50), K Morris for Leacy (58).

Referee: Brendan Gallagher (Tyrone).