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Wexford Club Hurling 2025

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Not sure why my post from yesterday didnt post. Anyways, only saw a bits of a few games at the weekend. As stated above Martins only in 2nd gear, seem to be focused, 36 on their panel, seems to be a big buy-in this year. Rathnure best of the rest but dont think they can match the Martins. Naomh Eanna and Annes was a decent game. I think Naomh Eanna were unlucky to win a free right at the end after McDonald was fouled in the last play which would of finished them second. Ballymurn look the worst team so far but they only need to win against Glynn at the weekend and they are into a quarter final. The same happened with Cloughbawn last year where Ballymurn bet them to stay up if i remember correctly so the same could happen again. I do hope they change the format to if you finish bottom you shouldnt be still in the championship. I fancy Oulart to stay up and Oylegate so i think the losers of the Barntown-Ballymurn match will go down.

In intermediate, St. James probably had their best performance of the year and could be coming good at the right time. I dont think anyone can really look past Cloughbawn although Bunclody really put it up to them at the weekend in a cracking game. At the other. it will be tight, Tara Rocks are playing Gusserance, I fancy Tara Rocks to win that as they were probably unlucky to finish 6th in a very tight group while Horeswood put in an excellent performance in their first win against Askamore, albeit I couldnt see Askamore play as bad again. They were my favourites to go down but now not so sure. Themselves and Blackwater will be close. Finally the business end of things for the weekend ahead.

alwaysasub (Wexford) - Posts: 527 - 08/09/2025 11:09:46    2635295

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Replying To Graham915oc:  "League stages all done what is everyone's thoughts for the knockouts? Can anyone elaborate on the format going forward? Is it an open draw for Quarter Finals after the prelims"
No 1st and 2nd in groups straight into 1/4 final proper
3rd play 4th in opposite group in preliminary 1/4 final winners into 1/4 final proper and play one of 2nd placed team from original group losers out of championship.
5th plays 6th in opposite group winners into 1/4 final proper v one of top placed teams in group stages.
Losers into 1/4 finals.
At this stage hard to see anyone beating st martins seem to have the best balanced team and squad . Next best rathnure , st annes, gorey and harriers hard to gauge could do anything on a given day . Shels bit lacking in certain areas . Bottom 2 teams in each group will be worried but c/beg really struggling. But could pull off surprise like last year . Glynn to stay up just about be interesting game between them next weekend . Oulart v oylgate fancy oulart for some reason oylgate seem to be lack luster this year .
Relegation final oylgate v c/beg a tasty affair .
Final be nice to see martins v rathnure but for some resaon I dont think it will happen .
Would love to see Chin play in a final after his efforts for so many years . Harriers had a good balance yesterday with lawlor c back was v good scores came from different lads not just chin but fear their bench is too weak if any more injuries or when comes down to the wire . Anne's have been knocking on the door and need a little luck to get over the line good blend of youth and experience . Gorey seem to have leveled off and are little bit short although could spring surprise need mac to perform but not be over reliant on him .
Rathnure have been the form team and look like at worst semi finalist maybe finalists tougher tests than group to come . But great to see them back competing with a fast moving and scoring forward line u will always test teams u never know momentum is huge in sport .
Finally the martins look a little ahead of the pack and will time it right for latter stafes . Where in previous years they have been vulnerable at 1/4 finsl stage . New format almost guarantees them semi finsl place as playing winners of 5th and 6th place in 1/4 final .
Would still say bottom teams in each group should be in relegation final . And if prelims be it 4 th v 5th in opposite groups. Let top 3 go through to 1/4 final proper .
Most years 4th and 5th not much seperate them .
Would make latter stages of group more competitive. And interesting
Whilst also making for better 1 /4 final pairings..
1st v 4th/5th prelim winners and 2 nd v 3rd in opposite groups . At present 5th v 6th winners of prelims will be happy to just not be in relegation finsl . And won't have much anticipation of taking a big scalp in1/4 finals .
Some reward fir doing better in group stages . And best teams in knockout proper .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 443 - 08/09/2025 11:19:08    2635298

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Replying To Viking66:  "Not open draw. 1st in each group will play one of the winners from the 2 5th/6th playoffs. After a draw. 2nds will play one of the winners of the 3rd/4th playoffs. After a draw.
Losers of the 2 5th/6th playoffs into a relegation final. Losers of the 2 3rd/4th playoffs finished for the year."
Correct that quarter-finals will see 1st place play winners of the 5th v 6th place matches, but not necessarily an open draw, as repeat pairings are to be avoided where possible.

Similarly with how the 2nd placed teams will play winners of the 3rd v 4th place matches.

It'll be an open draw for semi-finals all right, with repeat pairings allowed.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3098 - 08/09/2025 11:34:27    2635302

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Replying To countyman2022:  "Dont think you can comprehend how neutral fixtures work."
Also in relation to his posts - I'm still thinking back to what StoreysTash said about the fixtures committee. As I pointed out, they consider all sorts of things to get 30 championship matches played in less than 48 hours, and some people complain about having to travel an extra 20 minutes to see them.....

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3098 - 08/09/2025 11:37:53    2635303

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Replying To Viking66:  "Not open draw. 1st in each group will play one of the winners from the 2 5th/6th playoffs. After a draw. 2nds will play one of the winners of the 3rd/4th playoffs. After a draw.
Losers of the 2 5th/6th playoffs into a relegation final. Losers of the 2 3rd/4th playoffs finished for the year."
Do they try to avoid repeat pairings? For example if Shels and Naomh Eanna win, St Annes will play the Shels and Naomh Eanna play the Harriers or is it a total open draw?

paddybull (Wexford) - Posts: 53 - 08/09/2025 12:17:18    2635311

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Replying To paddybull:  "Do they try to avoid repeat pairings? For example if Shels and Naomh Eanna win, St Annes will play the Shels and Naomh Eanna play the Harriers or is it a total open draw?"
Yes, that's exactly it, with a perfect example of how it would work.

On another note, was looking at all the group tables from across the grades, from the point of view of how teams would stand under the previous system of just the top four going through to the knock-outs:

- Rapps (in Senior) & Shels (Intermediate 'A') would have gone through with just three points.
- But four others teams in four other groups would have gone out with four points.
- And in probably the least likely "good enough for fourth spot" ever, Tara Rocks would have gone through from their group in Junior 'A' with just two points and a score difference of -63.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3098 - 08/09/2025 13:42:43    2635330

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Replying To Pikeman96:  "Correct that quarter-finals will see 1st place play winners of the 5th v 6th place matches, but not necessarily an open draw, as repeat pairings are to be avoided where possible.

Similarly with how the 2nd placed teams will play winners of the 3rd v 4th place matches.

It'll be an open draw for semi-finals all right, with repeat pairings allowed."
Ah ok thanks Pikeman!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 17055 - 08/09/2025 13:49:29    2635331

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I would never go near a committee of any sort let alone a fixtures one. I bet the endless litany of complaints over when the match is and where must be such a dose to administer.
But if you are at the point where Faythe Harriers have to play in Wexford town to suit their fans seeing Lee Chin, does this not imply that 1. there is a competitive advantage for their club, with Wexford Park being a "home ground" effectively 2. their own promotion of their own club must be shocking because you would have to suspect their young lads would see Lee Chin in their own pitch when they are training at the same time 3. I bet every lad in Wexford who wanted to get to Enniscorthy to see Chin hurling could get the bus up the road if they could not get a lift. 4. should every Rapps match be in Bellfield so young lad in Enniscorthy can see Liam Ryan?
I have a few Harriers friends who I got to know and they would find this notion really stupid.
The notion that people can't stomach a 20 minute drive to a match is crazy. For most clubs its a 15-20 minute drive in to Enniscorthy or Wexford or wherever. Playing in Dublin in the 80's/90's when we played Boden or Fogs or whoever it was over an hour from the northside out that way.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1481 - 08/09/2025 20:33:47    2635391

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Replying To ExiledInWex:  "I would never go near a committee of any sort let alone a fixtures one. I bet the endless litany of complaints over when the match is and where must be such a dose to administer.
But if you are at the point where Faythe Harriers have to play in Wexford town to suit their fans seeing Lee Chin, does this not imply that 1. there is a competitive advantage for their club, with Wexford Park being a "home ground" effectively 2. their own promotion of their own club must be shocking because you would have to suspect their young lads would see Lee Chin in their own pitch when they are training at the same time 3. I bet every lad in Wexford who wanted to get to Enniscorthy to see Chin hurling could get the bus up the road if they could not get a lift. 4. should every Rapps match be in Bellfield so young lad in Enniscorthy can see Liam Ryan?
I have a few Harriers friends who I got to know and they would find this notion really stupid.
The notion that people can't stomach a 20 minute drive to a match is crazy. For most clubs its a 15-20 minute drive in to Enniscorthy or Wexford or wherever. Playing in Dublin in the 80's/90's when we played Boden or Fogs or whoever it was over an hour from the northside out that way."
We brought a crowd of them up to play the raps and then on to bellfield for the senior game.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 3923 - 09/09/2025 14:12:23    2635458

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can not understand why all the group games are not played on a home and away basis, , it would get decent crowds back to games

Stmunnsriver (Wexford) - Posts: 3008 - 09/09/2025 14:57:33    2635469

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Didn't see any games this weekend,any reports??

theboys (Wexford) - Posts: 288 - 09/09/2025 17:40:41    2635488

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Replying To Stmunnsriver:  "can not understand why all the group games are not played on a home and away basis, , it would get decent crowds back to games"
I agree the Junior A championship is 2 home and away games and one neutral venue I think it should be that way for all grades for the group stages.

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 702 - 10/09/2025 10:13:56    2635536

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Replying To Afinestick96:  "I agree the Junior A championship is 2 home and away games and one neutral venue I think it should be that way for all grades for the group stages."
There'd be all sorts of logistical issues. Most obvious one from a County Board/Fixtures Committee point of view is that since you'd be doing away with double-headers, you'd need more match officials.

Put on a double-header in Bellefield, for example, and three lads can take control of the two matches between them. But if those matches are at separate clubs grounds, you need three officials at one of them and another three at the other one.

There's also the consideration that at probably just about every club ground, local people would know at least one or two ways to get in that wouldn't be through the main gate. So strong chance that much of the crowd wouldn't be paying customers!

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3098 - 10/09/2025 10:32:13    2635543

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Replying To Afinestick96:  "I agree the Junior A championship is 2 home and away games and one neutral venue I think it should be that way for all grades for the group stages."
Logistically not possible.

For example you might have a couple of hundred people at a senior championship game, play that at a club ground that has no barriers to keep the crowd off the sideline and it's a nightmare.

Throw in car parking, scoreboard availability etc etc and it's not possible.

Personally I've always been in favour of neutral venues for championship matches even lower down at Junior I would be in favour.

tearintom (Wexford) - Posts: 1562 - 10/09/2025 11:27:37    2635556

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So the weekend ahead matches,

Oylegate v Oulart The Ballagh
Oulart looked to be decent in there last league match against the Rapps while Oylegate will be disappointed to be in the bottom two after being on 4 points. I think you'd have to fancy Oylegate here, they lost to a team in form in Rathnure in their last game so Oylegate by 4.

Glynn v Crossabeg
Crossabeg have been so poor this year, its hard to see them winning against a indifferent Glynn side. they showed nothing against Ferns while Glynn on the other hand have been equally unimpressive. The loser here will go down as I see both sides on the other side winning if they are in the relegation final. Im going wit Glynn, just.

Shels v Ferns
Shels werent that good against a Martins team in second gear while Ferns also have been hitting any heights, beating a poor Ballymurn side in their last game.

Naomh Eanna v Rapps
Naomh Eanna unlucky to be in this section of the draw after drawing with St. Annes the last day out, Rapps have not been that good this year. The Gorey side by 6.

Intermediate

Fethard v Bunclody
After last years fallout, it was written in the stars that these two sides would meet again. On form youd fancy Fethard but Bunclody put in a good performance against Cloughbawn. I think Fethard will be up for this after what happened last year so Fethard to win.

Gusserane v Tara Rocks
Even though Tar Rocks finished bottom of their group, they have a decent side on paper, Gusserane have been poor enough this year, I think Tara Rocks will win.

Blackwater v Horeswood
Both sides have been very poor, albeit Horeswood bet Askamore in their last game. Think Blackwater might have a few better players overall, expect them to win. ]

Craanford v Askamore
Local derby, Craanford beat Blackwater albeit only just while Askamore were poor against Horeswood. i couldnt see Askamore being as bad again, expect them to win by 6.

alwaysasub (Wexford) - Posts: 527 - 10/09/2025 13:16:41    2635571

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Replying To tearintom:  "Logistically not possible.

For example you might have a couple of hundred people at a senior championship game, play that at a club ground that has no barriers to keep the crowd off the sideline and it's a nightmare.

Throw in car parking, scoreboard availability etc etc and it's not possible.

Personally I've always been in favour of neutral venues for championship matches even lower down at Junior I would be in favour."
Just on car parking alone - our own ground sometimes has to host matches as a neutral venue, and in our own car park, we need stewards to make sure people park a certain way and also park tight to each other, so as not to waste space.

I've often done that job myself, and you'd be amazed how many cars are still arriving even 15 or 20 minutes after throw-in. The stewards need to still be on duty to direct these people to the remaining spaces, or else they're likely to abandon the car anywhere and block other ones.

So, if our lads were to be playing a big championship match at home, you'd basically be telling three or four of our own club people that they couldn't even watch most of the first half, because they'd be needed for directing traffic instead.

Pikeman96 (Wexford) - Posts: 3098 - 10/09/2025 15:28:06    2635602

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Replying To tearintom:  "Logistically not possible.

For example you might have a couple of hundred people at a senior championship game, play that at a club ground that has no barriers to keep the crowd off the sideline and it's a nightmare.

Throw in car parking, scoreboard availability etc etc and it's not possible.

Personally I've always been in favour of neutral venues for championship matches even lower down at Junior I would be in favour."
Yes its all well and good to say home and away until you end up with no barriers and many grounds are not up to scratch still to hold big games.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1481 - 10/09/2025 18:18:33    2635638

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Is it just me or does anyone else think its unfair that shels or naomh eanna could go out of championship this weekend before 1/4 final proper having to play a team in 4th place you may be unlucky onbthe day ie injuries lose form etc . And To a lesser extent rapps and ferns who escaped the 5th place in groups narrowly.
Whilst 2 teams with 1 win between them can make a 1/4 final proper by beating a team placed 1 place above them in theory an easier route to 1/4 final .
Either put 6th place teams straight into relegation final and 4th v 5th into prelim 1/4" final 1st 2nd 3rd into 1/4 final proper .
Or if staying similar structure .
Let 3rd play 6th in prelims but 3rd CANNOT be relegated if beaten . theory would be its an easier 1/4 final route but has similar jeopardy without relegation threat .
Of these 2 x 3rd v 6th prelims . If only 1 6th team wins prelims the other beaten time is automatically relegated . If both win same would apply to loser of 1/4 finsl if only 1 beaten they are relegated .
The same scenario if both reach semi and same if both reached final . Very unlikely but in theory could happen the loser is relegated .
If both lose in same round. They would then play each other in the relegation final .
Make for fairly interesting prelims .
Where 3rd get potential reward for being 3rd by getting supposedly easier draw in prelim . And 6th place teams don't get rewarded as much for coming 6th . . Always the threat of relegation after a poor campaign in round Robin groups stage . .
Surely would make latter stages of group more competive . And prelims that little extra carrot to win

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 443 - 12/09/2025 12:36:59    2635845

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Replying To Formertownie:  "Is it just me or does anyone else think its unfair that shels or naomh eanna could go out of championship this weekend before 1/4 final proper having to play a team in 4th place you may be unlucky onbthe day ie injuries lose form etc . And To a lesser extent rapps and ferns who escaped the 5th place in groups narrowly.
Whilst 2 teams with 1 win between them can make a 1/4 final proper by beating a team placed 1 place above them in theory an easier route to 1/4 final .
Either put 6th place teams straight into relegation final and 4th v 5th into prelim 1/4" final 1st 2nd 3rd into 1/4 final proper .
Or if staying similar structure .
Let 3rd play 6th in prelims but 3rd CANNOT be relegated if beaten . theory would be its an easier 1/4 final route but has similar jeopardy without relegation threat .
Of these 2 x 3rd v 6th prelims . If only 1 6th team wins prelims the other beaten time is automatically relegated . If both win same would apply to loser of 1/4 finsl if only 1 beaten they are relegated .
The same scenario if both reach semi and same if both reached final . Very unlikely but in theory could happen the loser is relegated .
If both lose in same round. They would then play each other in the relegation final .
Make for fairly interesting prelims .
Where 3rd get potential reward for being 3rd by getting supposedly easier draw in prelim . And 6th place teams don't get rewarded as much for coming 6th . . Always the threat of relegation after a poor campaign in round Robin groups stage . .
Surely would make latter stages of group more competive . And prelims that little extra carrot to win"
It means if u finish 6th u have 50% chance of relegation regardless the way it should be .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 443 - 12/09/2025 13:50:55    2635868

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One group of 12,
4 rounds, open draw each week,
after 4 rounds 1st v 8th, 2nd v 7th, 3rd v 6th, 4th v 5th in quarters,
9th v 12th, 10th v 11th relegation semi finals,

lefty (Wexford) - Posts: 248 - 12/09/2025 14:32:55    2635878

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