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Wexford Hurling thread 2024

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "To be fair, I don't really think that Offaly U21 team in 2016 were that great and wouldn't have been anywhere near the quality of last year's U20 team, that 2016 team were the beneficiaries of being on the very weak side of the draw"
Agreed they weren't anywhere near the level of last year's team, but last years were one of the best in the country. This years and next years might be even better.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 11/02/2024 23:12:35    2525547

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Replying To Viking66:  "That's the point. The narrative is out there despite us beating all those lower ranked counties pretty comprehensively over the last 7 years, except Westmeath twice and to a lesser extent Antrim, who managed a draw against us in that time. Bearing in mind they beat Clare the year they drew with us."
And added to the fact we haven't beaten a munster team, galway and haven't really threatened a good run into the championship, had a few chances to win big games in last 7 years. Tipp semi final 19, Clare in 22 but don't have a scalp outside Kilkenny since Cork in 2016. Just don't have that much credit in the bank in terms ot being serious players year in year out, others might have a year or two poor but have gone on good runs in same time too. Waterford has been poorest Munster team last while but have still been to two all Ireland finals and beaten Tipp, Clare, Galway, Clare, Cork in last 5 years. Just the fact they've it in them to get an all irelnd final. Limerick, Kilkenny, Tipp, Clare, Cork, Galway and Waterford can all get to an all Ireland final and it not be a surprise and they're the teams everyone does talk about. We haven't got to a final since 96 and only looked like winning a semi final in 19 and maybe 03 the first day. The days we start beating those teams is the day we'll get the analysts talking and on about Wexford as a big player but we haven't shown much of substance to suggest otherwise, just a list of almost moments without any wins. If Galway or Kilkenny had the same performance and list of wins/losses we had I wouldn't expect people to be talking them up. Media, rightly or wrongly, will talk about teams going well and winning games. 2019 is the only year since the early 00s we were an All Ireland contender and time moves on, need to win games v big teams every year or be going deep most years, every team can have an off year or 2. Just the other teams have an apparent high ceiling and contenders for all Ireland or to get to an all Ireland will always fill pages and be the ones people talk about. Dublin are in a similar spot to us, no one thinks they'll get to an all Ireland either and a lot of counties won't rate them. They'll do very well v Galway, like we do v Kilkenny but will they beat another big team? Throw in a few hammerings from bigger teams, a few near misses but win, just feeds into perception. Just the way it works. Like I said.......when you don't have any bank of wins v big teams (bar Kilkenny) those poor results v Offallys, Westmeaths, Antrims feed in and carry more weight. Clare lost to Antrim in league and struggled v Laois one year but they've beaten Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Tipp...as well as Dublin and ourselves, been to 3 all Ireland semi finals in recent times and regular Munster final appearances that they can rub off a poor performance or result v an Antrim in league, they've banked up enough runs and big win. If Wexford beat a few out of Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, Tipp, Waterford, Limerick in championship as well as beat the lower teams they won't be long getting rated and tipped by people from analysts to people from other counties and even people within Wexford. I love how you've a positive purple outlook on most things Wexford hurling team and oneof my favorite posters but I'd have to say I can totally see why people aren't taking Wexford as serious contenders or even rating......like I said, only one way to prove all of them wrong......win games, win big knockout games, beat big teams that aren't Kilkenny in the group. Won't be long letting them know thy never rated us when we do (hopefully) knock a few big boys out.

Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin (Wexford) - Posts: 332 - 12/02/2024 00:53:29    2525549

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Replying To Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin:  "And added to the fact we haven't beaten a munster team, galway and haven't really threatened a good run into the championship, had a few chances to win big games in last 7 years. Tipp semi final 19, Clare in 22 but don't have a scalp outside Kilkenny since Cork in 2016. Just don't have that much credit in the bank in terms ot being serious players year in year out, others might have a year or two poor but have gone on good runs in same time too. Waterford has been poorest Munster team last while but have still been to two all Ireland finals and beaten Tipp, Clare, Galway, Clare, Cork in last 5 years. Just the fact they've it in them to get an all irelnd final. Limerick, Kilkenny, Tipp, Clare, Cork, Galway and Waterford can all get to an all Ireland final and it not be a surprise and they're the teams everyone does talk about. We haven't got to a final since 96 and only looked like winning a semi final in 19 and maybe 03 the first day. The days we start beating those teams is the day we'll get the analysts talking and on about Wexford as a big player but we haven't shown much of substance to suggest otherwise, just a list of almost moments without any wins. If Galway or Kilkenny had the same performance and list of wins/losses we had I wouldn't expect people to be talking them up. Media, rightly or wrongly, will talk about teams going well and winning games. 2019 is the only year since the early 00s we were an All Ireland contender and time moves on, need to win games v big teams every year or be going deep most years, every team can have an off year or 2. Just the other teams have an apparent high ceiling and contenders for all Ireland or to get to an all Ireland will always fill pages and be the ones people talk about. Dublin are in a similar spot to us, no one thinks they'll get to an all Ireland either and a lot of counties won't rate them. They'll do very well v Galway, like we do v Kilkenny but will they beat another big team? Throw in a few hammerings from bigger teams, a few near misses but win, just feeds into perception. Just the way it works. Like I said.......when you don't have any bank of wins v big teams (bar Kilkenny) those poor results v Offallys, Westmeaths, Antrims feed in and carry more weight. Clare lost to Antrim in league and struggled v Laois one year but they've beaten Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Tipp...as well as Dublin and ourselves, been to 3 all Ireland semi finals in recent times and regular Munster final appearances that they can rub off a poor performance or result v an Antrim in league, they've banked up enough runs and big win. If Wexford beat a few out of Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, Tipp, Waterford, Limerick in championship as well as beat the lower teams they won't be long getting rated and tipped by people from analysts to people from other counties and even people within Wexford. I love how you've a positive purple outlook on most things Wexford hurling team and oneof my favorite posters but I'd have to say I can totally see why people aren't taking Wexford as serious contenders or even rating......like I said, only one way to prove all of them wrong......win games, win big knockout games, beat big teams that aren't Kilkenny in the group. Won't be long letting them know thy never rated us when we do (hopefully) knock a few big boys out."
I'm not expecting us to be rated or talked about as AI contenders. I don't think we are myself! It's just the excuses made when we win games, relative to the other way around, are annoying. Galway and Kilkenny both had at least half dozen starters and more players who came on from their last championship games last year. The fact they put out weakened teams was offered up as a reason why we beat them.
We only had 2 lads from last years game against Kilkenny start against Offaly, and there was nearly no mention of it, despite a collage of most of the missing men being put on screen before tg4s coverage of it.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 08:27:38    2525557

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Replying To Viking66:  "I'm not expecting us to be rated or talked about as AI contenders. I don't think we are myself! It's just the excuses made when we win games, relative to the other way around, are annoying. Galway and Kilkenny both had at least half dozen starters and more players who came on from their last championship games last year. The fact they put out weakened teams was offered up as a reason why we beat them.
We only had 2 lads from last years game against Kilkenny start against Offaly, and there was nearly no mention of it, despite a collage of most of the missing men being put on screen before tg4s coverage of it."
Tbh I'm not saying that should've been said about our game against Offaly as that would've been insulting to Kelly and his men.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 08:38:54    2525559

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Disappointed with the result Saturday night although we showed great fight to salvage a draw. We now need minimum 3 points in our last 3 games to be in the top division next year. Thought Offaly physically bullied us Saturday which is a worry going forward. Fanning done well in the goal. Full back line was solid particularly Shane Reck. Thought our half back line was poor . McGuckin just doesnt seem to bring his form with Gorey to a Wexford jersey. Damien is one of our best hurlers but can be lose at centre back. Would love to see Jippo at 6 and Damien midfield but cant see that happening. Think Conor Hearne has looked tired the last couple of games . Corey Byrne Dunbar and Cian Byrne will be good players for us but need to be given time to develop the required S&C . Seamus Casey done well again he has been very clinical the last few days. Simon Donohoe will be kicking himself he didnt pass in the ball to Cathal Dunbar at the end. Less said about the ref the better thought it was the worst performance from a ref ive seen in the park in a long time. Really hope some of the older lads will be back for the Clare game. Rossiter did say he expects a couple of them to be on the bench the next day. Its a reality check for us but maybe we needed it. A lot more work to be done.

Afinestick (Wexford) - Posts: 999 - 12/02/2024 09:29:44    2525569

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Replying To Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin:  "Wasn't going to get carried away with a Walsh Cup game so not going to get carried away with a league game either. Still dissapointing to draw to a Joe McDonagh team, with all due respect. We still haven't got to gripes that all the teams at Joe McDonagh level do look to the Wexford game as the one to target and we don't seem to ever learn from that, never say Wexford have arrogance about them but maybe we do get lulled into a sense of superiority. I don't think we ever really put a team to the sword since maybe Offaly in 2018 maybe? Could be wrong on that. But we don't have the ability to hammer a team say the way Kilkenny, Galway, Tipp would but still we can't seem to sake these teams at all but winning by 7/8 points is well capable against teams who are used to operating at a tier below us. Someone, a neutral, said to me that these teams nearly do to us what we do to Kilkenny, dont full agree with that but can see where he's coming from. Lot went against us and all but I thought we'd have enough quality to see it home. The same neutral did say it's because of those games that Wexford don't get too much attention when it comes to people making calls on teams who can go far in an all Ireland race. Unitll we start winning these games and not just holding on and falling over line, Antrim almost caught us last year too cus we couldn't sake them.
Still on a positive note, undefeated but, on a more down beat note, really should be two wins from two and now we do face very trong possibility of relegation. We don't make it eas on ourselves. I do take the point Offaly are coming but nearly all of their u20 team is underage for next 2 year. Nice to see them going well and looking very fit (although hope they don't return to haunt Wexford like the 80s/90s!!) And would be a huge plus for Leinster and hurling as a whole."
We don't have the scoring power other teams do, I think that's the biggest reason. I think we compare ourselves far too much to KK generally , Limerick should be the standard bearer and like us don't have that tradition KK have, but even to take KK they have far higher standards and a better culture than we do. They don't do half a$$ed even with very limited players these days. Beaten a highly fancied Clare team two years in a row in games that matter. Take that Antrim game in Wexford last year, the first half of that game was played at training match intensity with the likes of Rory and Jacko scoring at will. But we never buried them like KK would have. Let's be honest that win was fortunate enough in the end. Our shape fell apart when they put it up to us. Did we learn from it, of course not that same lack of standards evident in that awful day v Westmeath.

It's the same in the first half at the weekend, start off half a$$ed with zero intensity. It's like after the last couple of years especially why do we think we can rock up like that for the first home game of the year. Second half was much better especially when it looked like defeat was staring us in the face going down to 13 players. But we aren't such a good team we can afford to put it in for 35mins against Offaly or anyone else. I think we have the right man in charge now to address that with plain talking, though I'd drop the whinging about playing 4-5 weeks on the trot. Two of them were pre season games and the Leinster round will be like that anyway.

Clare game, especially after the debacle last year, will be a proper test of where we are at. Looking forward to it.

Timbertony (Wexford) - Posts: 534 - 12/02/2024 10:02:02    2525578

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Replying To Timbertony:  "We don't have the scoring power other teams do, I think that's the biggest reason. I think we compare ourselves far too much to KK generally , Limerick should be the standard bearer and like us don't have that tradition KK have, but even to take KK they have far higher standards and a better culture than we do. They don't do half a$$ed even with very limited players these days. Beaten a highly fancied Clare team two years in a row in games that matter. Take that Antrim game in Wexford last year, the first half of that game was played at training match intensity with the likes of Rory and Jacko scoring at will. But we never buried them like KK would have. Let's be honest that win was fortunate enough in the end. Our shape fell apart when they put it up to us. Did we learn from it, of course not that same lack of standards evident in that awful day v Westmeath.

It's the same in the first half at the weekend, start off half a$$ed with zero intensity. It's like after the last couple of years especially why do we think we can rock up like that for the first home game of the year. Second half was much better especially when it looked like defeat was staring us in the face going down to 13 players. But we aren't such a good team we can afford to put it in for 35mins against Offaly or anyone else. I think we have the right man in charge now to address that with plain talking, though I'd drop the whinging about playing 4-5 weeks on the trot. Two of them were pre season games and the Leinster round will be like that anyway.

Clare game, especially after the debacle last year, will be a proper test of where we are at. Looking forward to it."
Would like to see Wexford in league semi final but it will be difficult now Clare in WX Park will be good test id say B Lohan wouldn't mind a bit of silver wear so seems to be eyeing up the league so it will be difficult.

Wexford IMO are as good as anyone on there day they like a bit of organised chaos in there play bit of devilment not favoured by there last management K Rossiter seems a very decent lad diden't make to much of Jack O Connors red .

On that red how did Sean Stack not see the Offaly player at the Helmet as well and why do players interfere with Helmet when they know its going t be a red.

So in championship i am backing WX to win Leinster and in an All Ireland semi anything could happen

clooney (Clare) - Posts: 1008 - 12/02/2024 10:40:21    2525583

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Replying To Afinestick:  "Disappointed with the result Saturday night although we showed great fight to salvage a draw. We now need minimum 3 points in our last 3 games to be in the top division next year. Thought Offaly physically bullied us Saturday which is a worry going forward. Fanning done well in the goal. Full back line was solid particularly Shane Reck. Thought our half back line was poor . McGuckin just doesnt seem to bring his form with Gorey to a Wexford jersey. Damien is one of our best hurlers but can be lose at centre back. Would love to see Jippo at 6 and Damien midfield but cant see that happening. Think Conor Hearne has looked tired the last couple of games . Corey Byrne Dunbar and Cian Byrne will be good players for us but need to be given time to develop the required S&C . Seamus Casey done well again he has been very clinical the last few days. Simon Donohoe will be kicking himself he didnt pass in the ball to Cathal Dunbar at the end. Less said about the ref the better thought it was the worst performance from a ref ive seen in the park in a long time. Really hope some of the older lads will be back for the Clare game. Rossiter did say he expects a couple of them to be on the bench the next day. Its a reality check for us but maybe we needed it. A lot more work to be done."
Our younger lads were always going to be a little light when up against a near full strength championship team. For a good few of the lads that was their 6th or 7th game in 6 or 7 weeks, and Hearne was one of them. So tiredness was also a factor.
2 points might do us to finish up in div1a next year, if we get them against Cork especially as we will then be guaranteed to finish above them on head to head, we are currently in div1a if the league ended today. Score difference would come into play if the 4th placed team finish on 4 points in the other division as seems likely.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 10:42:19    2525584

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Replying To Timbertony:  "We don't have the scoring power other teams do, I think that's the biggest reason. I think we compare ourselves far too much to KK generally , Limerick should be the standard bearer and like us don't have that tradition KK have, but even to take KK they have far higher standards and a better culture than we do. They don't do half a$$ed even with very limited players these days. Beaten a highly fancied Clare team two years in a row in games that matter. Take that Antrim game in Wexford last year, the first half of that game was played at training match intensity with the likes of Rory and Jacko scoring at will. But we never buried them like KK would have. Let's be honest that win was fortunate enough in the end. Our shape fell apart when they put it up to us. Did we learn from it, of course not that same lack of standards evident in that awful day v Westmeath.

It's the same in the first half at the weekend, start off half a$$ed with zero intensity. It's like after the last couple of years especially why do we think we can rock up like that for the first home game of the year. Second half was much better especially when it looked like defeat was staring us in the face going down to 13 players. But we aren't such a good team we can afford to put it in for 35mins against Offaly or anyone else. I think we have the right man in charge now to address that with plain talking, though I'd drop the whinging about playing 4-5 weeks on the trot. Two of them were pre season games and the Leinster round will be like that anyway.

Clare game, especially after the debacle last year, will be a proper test of where we are at. Looking forward to it."
For sure. Clare will bring plenty of intensity they always do. And some of their newer players are fighting hard for a place on their championship team.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 10:45:17    2525586

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Replying To Viking66:  "Our younger lads were always going to be a little light when up against a near full strength championship team. For a good few of the lads that was their 6th or 7th game in 6 or 7 weeks, and Hearne was one of them. So tiredness was also a factor.
2 points might do us to finish up in div1a next year, if we get them against Cork especially as we will then be guaranteed to finish above them on head to head, we are currently in div1a if the league ended today. Score difference would come into play if the 4th placed team finish on 4 points in the other division as seems likely."
Were Offaly missing many players or is that nearly their best 15?

Afinestick (Wexford) - Posts: 999 - 12/02/2024 10:57:14    2525591

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Replying To Viking66:  "Agreed they weren't anywhere near the level of last year's team, but last years were one of the best in the country. This years and next years might be even better."
Next year's will be favourites to win the All-Ireland although I don't think this year's team will be quite as strong as next year's. Looking at their Minor results the last few years, the 2022 team were by far and away the best, followed by the 2020 team. The 2021 team were trounced by Kilkenny in the LSF though and we only lost to them by two points in the LF. Their 2023 Minor team looked fairly poor, our Minors beat them fairly comfortably last year.

Looks like they'll be dependent on their 19yos at U20 level this year, don't think they have a lot of good 20yos plus they had a good few handy 21yos who'll be a loss to them

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1013 - 12/02/2024 10:57:51    2525592

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Replying To Afinestick:  "Were Offaly missing many players or is that nearly their best 15?"
An Offaly lad told me they were missing 3 or 4 who would be in or around the starting 15. Not all guaranteed starters though.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 11:33:44    2525598

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Replying To Viking66:  "An Offaly lad told me they were missing 3 or 4 who would be in or around the starting 15. Not all guaranteed starters though."
All things considered with us missing so many lads and going down to 13 men we will probably take the draw. Rossiter will be very unhappy with the first half performance but we battled hard in the second half when it looked to be slipping away from us. We now only have the Clare game in 2 weeks and another week off then. I expect the lads will be doing a big training block in preparation for championship over the next 3/4 weeks and hopefully the injured lads can return to strengthen our squad.

Afinestick (Wexford) - Posts: 999 - 12/02/2024 11:45:21    2525602

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Next year's will be favourites to win the All-Ireland although I don't think this year's team will be quite as strong as next year's. Looking at their Minor results the last few years, the 2022 team were by far and away the best, followed by the 2020 team. The 2021 team were trounced by Kilkenny in the LSF though and we only lost to them by two points in the LF. Their 2023 Minor team looked fairly poor, our Minors beat them fairly comfortably last year.

Looks like they'll be dependent on their 19yos at U20 level this year, don't think they have a lot of good 20yos plus they had a good few handy 21yos who'll be a loss to them"
I always feel that a look at the points tally provides a better idea of a teams dominance or otherwise in underage games. A poor one or two players in a fullback line or poor keeper can result in goals conceded. We only scored 12 points to Offalys 10 in last year's minor game. And Dublin scored 18 points to Offalys 19 . Dublin got a couple of late goals that put an even shinier gloss on their win. In general play Offaly were competitive against both of us at minor last year.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 11:50:25    2525606

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Next year's will be favourites to win the All-Ireland although I don't think this year's team will be quite as strong as next year's. Looking at their Minor results the last few years, the 2022 team were by far and away the best, followed by the 2020 team. The 2021 team were trounced by Kilkenny in the LSF though and we only lost to them by two points in the LF. Their 2023 Minor team looked fairly poor, our Minors beat them fairly comfortably last year.

Looks like they'll be dependent on their 19yos at U20 level this year, don't think they have a lot of good 20yos plus they had a good few handy 21yos who'll be a loss to them"
I always feel that a look at the points tally provides a better idea of a teams dominance or otherwise in underage games. A poor one or two players in a fullback line or poor keeper can result in goals conceded. We only scored 12 points to Offalys 10 in last year's minor game. And Dublin scored 18 points to Offalys 19 . Dublin got a couple of late goals that put an even shinier gloss on their win. In general play Offaly were competitive against both of us at minor last year.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19011 - 12/02/2024 11:50:29    2525607

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Replying To Afinestick:  "Were Offaly missing many players or is that nearly their best 15?"
Just comparing their Saturday night line-up to their team that started the Joe McDonagh Cup Final last year:

- 10 of the 15 who started the McDonagh Cup Final also started on Saturday
- Of the five others, four were in the subs on Saturday.
- Their first sub on in the McDonagh Cup Final was Eimhin Kelly, and he started on Saturday too.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3464 - 12/02/2024 11:57:00    2525612

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Replying To Pikeman96:  "Just comparing their Saturday night line-up to their team that started the Joe McDonagh Cup Final last year:

- 10 of the 15 who started the McDonagh Cup Final also started on Saturday
- Of the five others, four were in the subs on Saturday.
- Their first sub on in the McDonagh Cup Final was Eimhin Kelly, and he started on Saturday too."
Eoghan Cahill who would be there usual free taker was missing not sure after that, Screeney started instead of him.

TerribleFootwork (Wexford) - Posts: 1760 - 12/02/2024 12:05:01    2525614

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Replying To Afinestick:  "All things considered with us missing so many lads and going down to 13 men we will probably take the draw. Rossiter will be very unhappy with the first half performance but we battled hard in the second half when it looked to be slipping away from us. We now only have the Clare game in 2 weeks and another week off then. I expect the lads will be doing a big training block in preparation for championship over the next 3/4 weeks and hopefully the injured lads can return to strengthen our squad."
The only thing that can possibly happen in that Clare game is an improvement on last years debacle which was the worst performance I ever witnessed by any Wexford hurling team.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1583 - 12/02/2024 12:34:33    2525629

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Replying To ExiledInWex:  "The only thing that can possibly happen in that Clare game is an improvement on last years debacle which was the worst performance I ever witnessed by any Wexford hurling team."
I agree I was there that day and it was awful Clare just ran through us un opposed . I expect a big performance from us against Clare this time around

Afinestick (Wexford) - Posts: 999 - 12/02/2024 12:55:06    2525632

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One side comment on saturday have to praise the county board on the seating in the main stand. It will be a great job when all the seats are installed. Hopefully we can do something similar on the open side maybe even put a roof on it

Afinestick (Wexford) - Posts: 999 - 12/02/2024 12:57:53    2525633

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