Wow!
Wexford beat All-Ireland holders Clare for the first time in their history – 2-25 to 2-22 – to dump the Banner out of the Championship at the qualifier stage.
For the second time in a week the match needed extra-time but Clare, who had two men sent off in regulation time, could not make the most of returning to a full XV for the extra period as a dogged Wexford won through.
Clare’s Brendan Bugler received his marching orders in the first half, lashing out at Liam Óg McGovern right in front of referee Johnny Ryan.
To make matters worse, Clare’s ill discipline rose to the fore once again with 23 minutes remaining as Jack Browne walked for a second bookable offence.
With Clare reeling, Conor McDonald’s goal was crucial in Wexford grabbing a crucial lead with fewer than 20 minutes remaining in the game.
That set up a stunning finish, with Wexford’s Colin Ryan pointing in the final seconds and sending the match into extra time.
Wexford had the far better of the extra 20 minutes and managed to seize more of their chances, a brilliant strike from Harry Keogh the highlight for Liam Dunne’s charges.
For Clare, it was the first time an All-Ireland winning side had exited the Championship without winning a match since the same side lost to Limerick in 1996.
