Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 19/08/2023 15:00:39    2501318

Congratulations on Craanford doing the double, a fantastic achievement and historic day for a club that wouldn't have won a whole lot in its history. I fancied Cushinstown to win out the grade from day one, but they just ran out of road today, and Craanford are no mugs in any case.

My team of the intermediate A championship based on the games I seen, with some creative license thrown in.

James Rossiter (Cushinstown)- made some spectacular saves throughout, and in a grade with no stand-out keepers, definitely the best about.

Joseph Berney (Craanford)- quietly went about his defensive duties for the new champs

Patrick Walsh (Monageer)- was impressed the few times I seen him, especially since he apparently has converted to the role.

Ricky McGrath (Cushinstown)- one of two excellent backs from the Ross district team, consistent for years now.

Darren Morris (Ballygarrett)- led by an example for a team that had a flat conclusion to an otherwise positive campaign

Niall Berney (Craanford)- took on the captain's role and really plugged the centre of defence.

Patrick Murphy (Cushinstown)- very under-rated defender and consistency was high again

Daire Bolger (Cushinstown)- steady on placed-balls and regularly poppes up when needed from play too

Eamon Doran (Craanford)- thrived in new role around the middle

Ollie Doran (Craanford)- greatest man in the grade to flight over two/three pearlers from play every day.

Conor Coleman (St.Martins)- main man up front for the Martin's and you'd wonder if he could have seen action for their seniors last week given his form

Cathal Walsh (Monageer)- was excellent the three times I seen him live, his time with the county this year has worked wonders

Lee Devereux (Rosslare)- always the go-to man for Rosslare even with a few talented youngsters emerging

Jamie McGrath (Cushinstown)- goal machine for the runners-up so automatic choice

Joseph Conroy (Craanford)- could probably play him anywhere and he'd do a job, but revolutionised Craanford's attack this season

POTY: Niall Berney

beano (Wexford) - Posts: 1491 - 19/08/2023 17:38:19    2501346

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1336 - 19/08/2023 17:43:26    2501348

Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 364 - 19/08/2023 17:47:47    2501349

beano (Wexford) - Posts: 1491 - 19/08/2023 21:36:07    2501383

Paull (Wexford) - Posts: 201 - 19/08/2023 22:39:01    2501386

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 19/08/2023 23:09:17    2501388

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 19/08/2023 23:18:29    2501390

Was in Wexford Park to watch the games. Clongeen outlasted St Patricks, as the game wore on they were quicker to the ball, while their defense stifled the St Patricks forwards who I though pre game would win it for them. While I think Rochford got MOTM, he was excellent under pressure, I thought Cahill was the best player on the pitch at centreback.
In the 2nd game Cloughbawn got a lightning start but then for the rest of the game Jimmys took over and should've won the game in normal time. In fact Cloughbawn only had 13 scores in the whole of normal time, and probably only got the draw due to some poor missed frees from St James. However after Matthew O Hanlon inexplicably opted to play against the wind, and Cloughbawn played a tactical blinder by playing a short game with the wind behind them, thereby nullifying the Jimmys strength around the edge of the square and reeling off a string of points from out the field, which turned out to be the winning of the game. For Cloughbawn Kehoe and Paidi Cullen were excellent at the back, as was young Nathan Mcdonald, while for Jimmys Matthew O Hanlon played well, as did Shane Murphy, David Doyle and Colum Fitzgerald, who was with the county u20s this year.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 20/08/2023 00:04:14    2501392

TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 20/08/2023 10:39:04    2501411

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 20/08/2023 10:39:28    2501412

Was in Bellefield myself yesterday. The first match was really a non-event. Don't want to sound overly harsh, but Duffry Rovers looked like a real Junior B team of the "let's just go out and hurl and see how we get on" type. No reflection on the individual levels of skill of their players, but overall as a team they looked lacking in basics such as how they set up, how they tracked their opponents, and a game plan for when they had the ball themselves.

Craanford were worthy winners of the second game too. Did enough overall throughout the game, and two goals down the home stretch settled it (the Rathgarogue-Cushinstown goal was really just a consolation score in the last play of the game, after about six minutes of injury time). Thought the two Dorans in midfield and Michael O'Loughlin in attack were their best performers.

For the losers, thought Matthew Cody played well, in addition to Brian O'Neill (already mentioned in wexfordgaa's post above).

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2856 - 20/08/2023 10:43:13    2501413

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 2856 - 20/08/2023 11:03:38    2501417

Us in cushinstown would never want Ross and most certainly Adamstown to win especially in hurling. With the rest probably because they are more traditional football clubs the rivalry wouldn't be as much even though they would have over taken us more so in the last few years.

Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 364 - 20/08/2023 11:50:51    2501425

Congrats to cloughbawn on getting back to the senior ranks. I know they had a few injuries this year. Have they many young lads coming through that are good enough? The likes of harry kehoe and the cartons etc can't play forever and they will need some new blood to make an impact in senior.

WexMurph (Wexford) - Posts: 275 - 20/08/2023 12:57:47    2501429

Congrats to gorey taught they were the better team on the day. Jack Cullen Charlie Mcguckian and Conor Mac outstanding

Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 364 - 20/08/2023 17:32:20    2501451

Great final after. Delighted for two lads in particular. Conor McDonald, accused for not having the work-rate, showed he is a big game player again, even catching the ball in his own square at the end. It just shows what he can do when fed ball. Secondly, McGuckin was outstanding again and stood up in a period when Gorey needed leadership. A fella who got a lot of flak for his performances for Wexford this year, when in reality he was part of a dysfunctional set up. Hard luck to Oylegate, brought a breath of fresh air to the championship this year and gave Gorey plenty of it. Ultimately their subs didn't work though and needed a lead at half-time (in spite of their immediate goal after half time).

We really are in the midst of a revolution though. Since Oulart won their last title, Martins won their third and fourth, Gorey their first and second, Shels and Rapps their second and Ferns their first ever. Changing of the guard, especially with both Rathnure and Alley in intermediate together for the first time ever.

My team of the year:

Aaron Duggan (Oylegate)- stand-out keeper in the grade this year. Unlikely to commit to Wexford due to his Kilkenny heritage but worth approaching.

Niall Murphy (Ferns)- incredible display in defeat in the quarter-final and as consistent a defender as there is around. Needs more game-time for Wexford.

Ciaran Hourihane (Oylegate)- a revelation at full-back. Distributed the ball well in their system amd another fella we should be approaching.

Cian Molloy (Naomh Eanna)- I know he played six but did a very good man marking job on ROC in the corner in the semi. A theme emerging here....

Mikie Kelly (Oylegate)- thought he was very good again today and edged his battle with Cullen. Has all the tools for county.

Damien Reck (Oylegate)- a warrior, though a bit wasteful with his shot selection today.

Charlie McGuckin (Naomh Eanna)- a phenomenal year and hurler of the year for me.

Aodhan Doyle (Naomh Eanna)- continuously the most unsung hurler in the county, even if he was a bit quieter today.

Jack Reck (Oylegate)- chipped in with a point or two everyday, worked his ass off aside from that.

Liam Og McGovern (St.Anne's)- another good campaign from the old trooper. Guided Annes over the line vs Shels and if he packs it in for Wexford, owes us nothing.

Seamus Casey (Oylegate)- in contention for player of the year. Played hinmself back into conuty consideration too.

Rory O'Connnor (St.Martin's)- below his own standards in the semi-final but an absolute star otherwise.

Ian Byrne (Ferns)- carried the defending champions for most of the campaign, missed a few frees vs. Oylegate but has enough credit in the bank by now for it not to impede his selection here.

Pdoge Doran (Oylegate)- rolled back the years. Two delicious sideline cuts today and was the difference maker in the semi.

Conor McDonald (Naomh Eanna)- slightly out of position here and edges clubmate Padraig Doyle. What a performance in the county final and brought a new dimension to his game this year even if his scoring output was down.

beano (Wexford) - Posts: 1491 - 20/08/2023 17:44:05    2501454

Junior A final was very disappointing. It got a little bit exciting as it got into the last 10 minutes but the standard was very poor. Ballyhogue hit the post at the end and if that had of gone in we would've had extra time. Was supporting the other blue and white team in the 2nd match so sorry to both for being bad luck. In the 6 games I went to this weekend only Clongeen won of the teams I was supporting.
The Senior final was an exciting game with a terrific atmosphere. It was attended by more people than any home intercounty game except the ones against Kilkenny I'd be guessing. Which is a real shame for our county team. Goreys backs were excellent, with the 2 Molloys outstanding. Such a shame they won't commit unlike their also excellent clubman Mcguckin. Cullen also was very good although looked a little sluggish at times. Mikey Kelly looked like he had bulked up also, though he too could do with doing a bit of speed work as unlike Cullen he has committed to the intercounty team. Duggan was excellent hopefully he might play for us as we badly need a keeper who can find men with short puckouts taken quickly. Said hard luck to him as he was leaving with his family I should've asked him although no doubt I'll see him in the gym sometime. Seamus Casey was also lively. Mac played well for a change, although his goal celebration would've looked better on a stage at a pop concert. Hopefully he can carry this form into the intercounty season next year. All in all Gorey were better on the day and deserved their win. Oylegate are coming though would be great to see them go 1 step further next year! On to the football now!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 20/08/2023 19:06:57    2501474

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 15700 - 20/08/2023 19:26:28    2501483

From oylegate Would agree that Aaron Duggan and Mike Kelly (didn't play that well today I thought but had a good campaign and has all the physical attributes) should be giving a phone call. Seamus Casey deserves another crack at it also. For Gorey Charlie Mcguckin should really drive on next year and cement his place on the team. McDonald delivered today and that was the difference he's unmarkable at his best but it's a pity we only seen it once this year. Molloy the full back could have potential at inter county level. Two recks were unreal all year for oylegate. Podge played well but Gorey got to grips with him and had no plan b, same thing happened against st martins In the group game.

WexMurph (Wexford) - Posts: 275 - 20/08/2023 19:33:27    2501487