Aoife Cullen split the posts with a late free as Wexford claimed a narrow one point win over Westmeath to engrave their name back as Leinster Intermediate Champions for the first time since 2019.

Drama of the highest order in Portlaoise as Wexford by the narrowest of narrow margins triumphed in the Intermediate decider as Cullen was composed to strike a free from distance with time running out on the clock.

Wexford have fallen at the final hurdle over the last number of year’s, they lost the last two Intermediate deciders to Kildare and when they needed to summon that desire and willpower right at the death they held firm to deny Westmeath the chance to force extra-time.

It was nip and tuck in the early exchanges between the sides, Sarah Dillon gave Westmeath an early lead before two Cullen frees helped settle Wexford into the tie and give them a narrow lead by the fifth minute. The lead lasted mere minutes as Rachel Dillon responded for Westmeath.

Points from Cullen, Caoilfhionn Ni Nuallain and Chloe Fox helped Wexford build a three point margin by the 13th minute. Just as the quarter ended Wexford were awarded a penalty, Catriona Murray stepped up but was denied by a strong hand from Lauren McCormack.

Minutes later Beibheann McDonald struck the crossbar as Wexford still could not find the net. Their lead did extend to three points however as Amanda Power recycled the effort and put the ball over the blackspot.

Despite Wexford having Kellie Kearney sent to the sin bin, points from Cullen and Fox helped keep their lead in place by the interval 0-8 to 0-6. Westmeath did however start the second half the stronger, Kelly Boyce Jordan finding the net in the opening minute to give Westmeath the lead, their first time leading since the opening score of the tie.

Again it was a closely fought quarter with Leanne Slevin’s free taking enough to keep Westmeath ahead, punishing Wexford’s ill discipline in their defending. By quarters end Westmeath were ahead 1–9 to 0-10, however they were down to 14 as Lucy Power was yellow carded.

Inside the final ten minutes Wexford needed to turn around the deficit and they certainly did that. Ni Nuallain kickstarted the comeback in the final minutes, kicking two quick points to reduce the deficit to a single point. Cullen stepped up minutes later and levelled from another free.

With the game in the melting pot it was there for both teams to take the result, in the end Wexford with Cullen cool and composed slotted her eight point of the tie and with time running out, Wexford put their bodies on the line to stop Westmeath in their tracks before the hooter sounded to crown them champions.