Wexford exited the O’Byrne Cup tournament in dramatic circumstances against Kildare, at Newbridge, on Sunday.

Following losses to the students of both the Dublin Institute of Technology and the Carlow Institute of Technology, Shane Roche put Wexford on the brink of a morale-boosting win over Kildare when he struck for an injury-time goal to edge Wexford in front by 1-11 to 0-13, before the home-side hit back in kind moments later to eventually nick the spoils by 1-13 to 1-11.

The game was a dead-rubber, with Kildare already assured of the solitary qualification spot from the group. But Wexford demonstrated great durability, as they bounced back from a deficit of 0-13 to 0-7 to push one of the game’s strongest forces of modern times – Kildare have contested the last five All-Ireland quarter-finals – to the limit.

The game ended on a sour note, as a mass brawl ensued after Kildare had netted the decisive goal, and following consultations with his umpires and both linemen, Laois referee Maurice Deegan yellow-carded two Wexford players, while a player from either side was dismissed for second yellow-card offences.

New Wexford boss Aidan O’Brien is happy with the progress in terms of preparations, with no fewer than 29 players having been utilised during the team’s three-game Cup run, and plans are well on track for the team’s return to Division 2 of the National League next month.