Roche, Paddy
May 19, 1995
PADDY ROCHE
THE MAN FOR WHOM THE WORD 'DEDICATION' WAS COINED
Who can explain the enigma that is Wexford hurling? Not this scribe anyhow, but then I wouldn't be alone. Successive managers have accepted the challenge of endeavouring to put the county back on top, but the end result of these concerted efforts has been a catalogue of disasters and near misses, a litany of "nearly was and almost rans" (to quote Michael Stipe of R.E.M. fame, from the song 'I Remember California').
Statistics reveal much, and the facts are as follows. The Model County hasn't won a Senior or Minor hurling All-Ireland since they did the double in 1968. An Under 21 title hasn't been garnered since 1965. The Junior Crown was annexed on 1992 however and Liam Griffin and his cohorts will have tried out to the best of this side. Judging by the National League campaign, things aren't going to be easy for the Rosslare hotelier, but then he begs to be judged on the performances of his charges over a three year period rather than one.
The footballers managed by Liam Fardy, are in a much more relaxed situation than their small ball counterparts. Despite having won an equal amount of Senior All-Irelands as the hurlers (five), they do not suffer from the same stifling level of expectation. Thus anything they achieve is seen as a bonus.
And yet they helped complete another memorable Slaneyside double on winning the Junior All-Ireland in '92. The underage teams have fared reasonably well in recent times. And who would have expected to be faced with a Leinster Colleges Senior football final pairing of Good Counsel, New Ross and St Peters, Wexford. These traditional hurling academies produced a pulsating tie (which was officiated by Wexford referee Brian White). Good Counsel finally came out on top after a replay and went all the way to the All-Ireland final, where they finally submitted to St. Pat's, Maghera. Nevertheless, it was a tremendous achievement to reach the decider. It looks as if the south eastern county is on the up when it comes to football.
Casting an eagle eye over proceedings is former dual county player and current President of the Wexford County Board and Vice-President of Bord na nOg, Paddy Roche. Now retired from Royal Liver Assurance, the Rosslare native likes nothing better than to talk about the gaelic games.
Unfortunately for him, Paddy's years donning the purple and gold were not marked by much success of note. The same can be said of his time lining out for his beloved club. Yet, this is a man for whom the word dedication was coined. He has given everything to both Rosslare and Wexford GAA.
Plying his trade in both codes during the 30s and 40s, the free scoring corner forward held what was a unique distinction at that time, representing his county at Minor, Junior and Senior levels, as a hurler and a footballer.
"We didn't get much in the line of All-Irelands and Leinster titles, but I don't really mind that. It was a great honour to be recognised by my county."
The highlight of his playing career was beating Kilkenny in a Junior provincial final in 1940. That was as far as he got however, because eventful champions Cork vanquished the Yellowbellies at the penultimate stage of the All-Ireland series.
Despite not being the most successful county around at that time, Wexford fielded teams with the likes of the Bohans, Peter Cullen and Billy Fielty aboard, hurlers who would have made it at the highest level. Indeed Paddy names St Fintans club man Nicky Bohan as the toughest opponent he ever faced in his playing days.
His only successes at club level came as a teenager. "I played for St Martins and the Volunteers at Minor level and won two Championships. Unfortunately I played as an overage Minor and got caught. This led to a six month suspension. Despite this suspension, I still played for the Wexford Christian Brothers."
That was typical of a man who lived for the GAA and did nothing in his spare time but kick a ball and strike a sliothar. "My older brothers were always playing and as they were involved with the Rosslare club, I decided to join them. I played Junior football and hurling and never won a thing."
Paddy claims that he taught himself the skills of hurling and football, that for him it was a case of practice makes perfect. On reflection, he amends that statement.
"I remember learning one thing from someone else. Jim Byrne was a teacher in my school and he was on the famous Wexford team that won four All-Ireland in a row (1915, 1916, 1917,1918) and was captain the last year. He really was a legend. It was Jim who gave me the idea of how to catch the ball. He told me that the second your fingers touched the ball, to bring them down immediately and let the ball come with them. And it worked!"
Such is Paddy's love for the GAA that he wanted to do more than just watch games after he retired. He needed a fuller participation and his wish was granted. Unfortunately it didn't come in a manner he appreciated.
"A brother of mine, Stephen, was Secretary of the County Board and I used to give him a hand. I had a fair idea of what was going on. Then a next door neighbour of ours, a Corkman by the name of Liam Murphy took over. We were great friends and even though I wasn't an official member of the County Board I helped him a lot and went to meetings if he was unable to. He died suddenly in the latter end of 1960, which was great shock to us all."
"The upshot of it all was that I was appointed Secretary at the next County Board meeting. Sean Brown was the Chairman at the time and he was a great help to me. I held the position for the best part of 20 years, retiring in January 1980 because my wife Mary was ill."
Paddy missed the involvement however and was delighted to be appointed Secretary of Bord na nOg. "I retired after 10 years. I was getting a bit on the old side to be associated with Bord na nOg!"
Wexford hurling manager Liam Griffin is a friend and neighbour. "I used to pick him up at his house for the school leagues when he was about 11 or 12. Anytime you passed he was outside hurling. He was brilliant. I remember him playing a major part in De La Salle, Waterford's win in the All-Ireland Colleges final.
"He has a tough job at the moment. We all went to see our team winning a bit, we all want to win a Championship. The performances in the League were very disappointing, and I thought the one against Offaly in particular was desperate. They were short eight players and yet we couldn't beta them. It certainly doesn't augur well for the future. But then, can you judge anything on the National League?
"When it comes down to it, I wouldn't be over-optimistic as that never pays. I would be hopeful, however."
Paddy is very enthusiastic about the county footballers. "I have great admiration for them and think they should be getting more recognition. They are making far more progress than the hurlers and remember they won the O'Byrne Cup, even if it was by default in the end. It's a good time for football here and to have two teams in the final of the Leinster Senior Colleges Championship is some achievement. Fair play to them."
And fair play to Paddy Roche.
Taken from Hogan Stand magazine
19th May, 1995
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