 1997, however, saw the introduction of the so-called ‘back-door’ system whereby the defeated Munster and Leinster finalists were allowed back into the All-Ireland championship at the quarter-final stage.Because of this, Wexford's opponents in the All-Ireland semi-final were Tipperary, the Munster runners-up.On that occasion Wexford were outclassed by Tipp who won by 2-16 to 0-15.