Wexford’s Mark Fanning Wins Hurling League Match with Last-Second Goal
Wexford defeated Antrim 1-13 to 1-12 in teh opening round of the National Hurling League Division 1B on Saturday, January 20, 2024, thanks to a goal scored by goalkeeper Mark Fanning directly from a free in the eighth minute of added time.
The Decisive Goal and Controversy
Mark Fanning’s goal secured the win for Wexford after a tightly contested match played in challenging weather conditions. Antrim had briefly taken the lead with a goal from substitute Conor Johnston just eleven seconds into injury time, bringing the score to 1-12 to 0-12. Though, Fanning’s late free, converted into a goal, proved to be the difference.
The goal sparked controversy, as Antrim’s management protested a prior decision by referee Thomas Walsh. They argued Walsh halted a potential Antrim goal-scoring possibility when awarding the free that ultimately led to Fanning’s winning score.
Match Details and Conditions
The match was played in difficult conditions, with driving wind and rain impacting the standard of play throughout much of the game. Despite the weather, Wexford demonstrated resilience in battling back to parity on four occasions before Fanning’s dramatic winner.
Antrim initially led, but Wexford consistently responded, showcasing their determination to secure a victory in the opening round of the league. The game highlighted the competitive nature of Division 1B and set the stage for further exciting contests.
