Ross Banville leads Shelmaliers to first Wexford hurling title since 2020

Richie Power guided Shelmaliers to their first Wexford senior hurling championship title since 2020 with a two-point win over Rathnure St Anne’s on Sunday. The Castlebridge club defeated the favorites 1-18 to 2-13 to secure their third RJ Bowe Cup. Ross Banville starred for the victors, scoring 0-12, including nine free points. Rathnure has now lost consecutive finals after returning from the intermediate division in 2024. Shelmaliers struck early when Shane Lawler converted a defensive error into a goal. Backed by the wind, Banville helped build a 0-11 to 1-4 lead by halftime. Momentum shifted quickly after the break when captain Conor Hearne skimed a low shot under the goalkeeper just 14 seconds into the second half. Rathnure closed the gap in the 53rd minute via a goal by Jack Redmond, assisted by Rory Higgins. The scoreline tightened further during a goalmouth scramble, leaving Shelmaliers with a two-point cushion. Banville added a 12th point for insurance. In the final moments, man of the match Simon Donohoe deflected Eamon Wickham’s equalizing attempt over the bar. Shelmaliers will face Westmeath champions Lough Lene Gaels in the Leinster quarter-final on November 8. In Kildare, Naas claimed their eighth consecutive county title with a 3-13 to 0-11 victory over Maynooth. This marks their 14th hurling crown overall. Maynooth, appearing in their fourth straight final, built a five-point lead through Tom Power’s efforts before Charlie Sheridan opened the scoring for Naas. Maynooth still led 0-7 to 0-5 at halftime. Naas took control in the second half with goals from Cathal Dowling, Brian Byrne, and Fionn Maher. Dowling stole the ball from the goalkeeper in the 38th minute to give Naas its first lead. Byrne scored the decisive goal near the end, followed shortly by Maher’s third goal after entering the field. Naas will host Offaly side Kilcormac-Killoughey in their Leinster quarter-final in two weeks.