All-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football Champs Wexford 2014

Brilliant Kelly drives Wexford to All-Ireland junior title win over New York : Sports Photography

MARIE BYRNE’S FIRST half goal and a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Mary Rose Kelly were the key factors in Wexford’s victory over New York in Sunday’s TG4 All-Ireland ladies junior football championship final at Croke Park. (Text from .the42.ie)

Kelly was magnificent between the sticks for the Slaneysiders as they finally ended their All-Ireland famine.

Wexford had lost senior finals in 1989, 1986 and 1983, while also finishing as intermediate runners up in 2007 and 1999.

Billy Donnelly’s charges didn’t need reminding either that they lost the 2013 junior final to Offaly, while also finishing second best in 1987 and 1986.

But all that previous heartbreak was washed away at GAA HQ when Cork native and Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Pat Quill presented the West County Hotel Cup to captain Clara Donnelly.

Byrne netted in the 23rd minute, sending a rising drive beyond Nora Kilkenny and into the top corner of the New York net.

But Wexford had netminder Kelly to thank for a series of excellent saves in the second half. All-Ireland Junior Ladies’ Football Champs Wexford 2014, Sports Photography by Michael Cullen Irish Images FILM.