Killian Kehoe's 11th-minute goal proved to be the difference between the sides for large parts of this encounter, but Longford, who defeated Meath after extra-time in the previous round, never gave up.

Little separated the sides during a fast-paced first quarter in Portlaoise, with both Wexford and Longford in search of their first ever provincial title at this grade.

Longford goalkeeper Paddy Collum was a busy figure in the opening stages as Wexford pressed hard for scores.

The DIT student saved efforts from Emmet Kent and Kevin O'Grady in the opening 10 minutes, but was beaten when Kehoe managed to scramble the ball to the net.

Wexford led by 1-5 to 0-5 at half-time and extended their lead to four points thanks to excellent scoring accuracy from Paudie Kelly.

Longford were not going to give up easily and they gained a strong foothold in the midfield sector, with Kevin Diffley and John Keegan impressive.

Keegan and James McGivney cut the gap to two points in the 48th minute, before a brace of points from Robbie Smith levelled the contest with eight minutes remaining.

Wexford responded with a first point from half-forward Kent, and scores were at a premium in a tense and competitive final climax.

A point from man-of-the-match Michael O'Regan gave Wexford a two-point cushion on the cusp of injury-time, but Longford continued to torment the Slaneysiders' defence.

Although Diffley broke through for his only score of the game in added time, Longford could not conjure up the levelling point and Kevin Kehoe's charges took the win by minimum margin.

After the game, James Breen accepted the cup on behalf of his victorious Wexford team-mates.