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Wexford Hurling Thread

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Replying To Formertownie:  "Go games , non competitive games, everyone gets equal playing time , parents demanding to be heard , games coordinators, county boards pandering to the woke generation, nepotism, are any of these having an impact on our competitiveness.
We go out in real competition then and expect an entitlement to compete without a killer instinct .
Life is competitive give that away u wont be long before you are on your knees .
All you are entitled to is an educational opportunity what you do is up to you and even then it's lob sided .
We give every child the opportunity to play and train but what are we teaching them if we say don't worry what effort you put in you are entitled yo play. But rules are in place that any coach is afraid to make a choice that may or may not be controversial leading to him being reprimanded or a slap on the wrist .
Is our underage uncompetitiveness related to any of these contributions . With the knock on effect being carried on to adult .
What did Kinnerk report say about competition at a younger age.
Every child wants to play and win but you have to earn your place and the wins .
It's a mindset you can't just switch it on after you turn 12 or 13 years of age . Including the physical elements."
Our go games is only up to u12. So not sure that makes a difference. Its a central GAA policy to have inclusion/participation up to that age, so again shouldn't affect us any worse than any other county. Really not sure what you mean by County Boards pandering to work generations, still not even sure what woke means tbh, but in my limited experience I don't think our CB pander to anybody, some of them are pretty hard nosed individuals!!!
Nepotism possibly does, but only insofar as lads whose parents are coaches are more likely to be practicing between training sessions at home, and are therefore usually better.
Kinnerk didnt say too much about competition at younger ages, in fact our Rackard League etc came in for praise, as did our go games, and our Hurling 365 also, though it needs relaunching.
The u12 A.S.H. is also an excellent initiative, but it was only introduced 2 winters ago, this years u15s are the oldest lads who were on this.
On the subject of lads knowing they will play anyway, dwindling numbers at clubs isnt helping this way. I personally know of a few lads who potentially could be excellent if they worked harder at it, but they arent bothered as they are already one of the better players on their club team and know they will play every game anyway. And their coaches don't want to drop them as they want their team to win.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 12:24:02    2654957

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Replying To Viking66:  "Our go games is only up to u12. So not sure that makes a difference. Its a central GAA policy to have inclusion/participation up to that age, so again shouldn't affect us any worse than any other county. Really not sure what you mean by County Boards pandering to work generations, still not even sure what woke means tbh, but in my limited experience I don't think our CB pander to anybody, some of them are pretty hard nosed individuals!!!
Nepotism possibly does, but only insofar as lads whose parents are coaches are more likely to be practicing between training sessions at home, and are therefore usually better.
Kinnerk didnt say too much about competition at younger ages, in fact our Rackard League etc came in for praise, as did our go games, and our Hurling 365 also, though it needs relaunching.
The u12 A.S.H. is also an excellent initiative, but it was only introduced 2 winters ago, this years u15s are the oldest lads who were on this.
On the subject of lads knowing they will play anyway, dwindling numbers at clubs isnt helping this way. I personally know of a few lads who potentially could be excellent if they worked harder at it, but they arent bothered as they are already one of the better players on their club team and know they will play every game anyway. And their coaches don't want to drop them as they want their team to win."
I think you answered your query as to what I meant .
By saying our rackard league came in for praise. This is a competitive tournament cups medals winners losers .. yiung lads aspire to winning it. And yes prob gutted losing but when do we decide its OK to lose if yiu tried your best . . Teachers don't have to take the flak a club coach would take for not playing or picking certain players who may not as yet be ready for that competition.
Do they learn god if I m not playing I better try harder or as in club go home cry and parents go gunning for the coach shouting mental health . Don't be disillusioned to think it does nt happen . There's a balance between being supportive to your children and fighting every battle for them or give them the support/tools for them to deal with these situations and figure out how they can change it if they have the appetite to do so . Maybe it was nt for them . Thats not saying if something is wrong you don't stand up for them . .
I certainly would nt stand back if somethings looked wrong .same as I wont jump in until I see why decisions were made. And can my child improve to show his character and personality . It's a balance that imo is lopsided at present be it from entitlement or parents or child afraid to do the hard work or unwilling .
Children need to be prepared for life especially in such times as these where if yiu can't stand up u may join the herd and take what you are given .
Deep but every part is relevant to life and sport .
Effort/good attitude or just talent
If you are to pick one does effort/good attitude give you more opurtinities in time. If the talent does nt put in the effort and mediocre attitude .
Challenge them without being over the top again every child needs different challenges. No one size fits all .
In fairness u12 now again holds some competitive element . Just to let you know I m not just randomly picking out things its just from observation snd experience .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 526 - 04/02/2026 13:31:51    2654971

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Replying To Formertownie:  "I think you answered your query as to what I meant .
By saying our rackard league came in for praise. This is a competitive tournament cups medals winners losers .. yiung lads aspire to winning it. And yes prob gutted losing but when do we decide its OK to lose if yiu tried your best . . Teachers don't have to take the flak a club coach would take for not playing or picking certain players who may not as yet be ready for that competition.
Do they learn god if I m not playing I better try harder or as in club go home cry and parents go gunning for the coach shouting mental health . Don't be disillusioned to think it does nt happen . There's a balance between being supportive to your children and fighting every battle for them or give them the support/tools for them to deal with these situations and figure out how they can change it if they have the appetite to do so . Maybe it was nt for them . Thats not saying if something is wrong you don't stand up for them . .
I certainly would nt stand back if somethings looked wrong .same as I wont jump in until I see why decisions were made. And can my child improve to show his character and personality . It's a balance that imo is lopsided at present be it from entitlement or parents or child afraid to do the hard work or unwilling .
Children need to be prepared for life especially in such times as these where if yiu can't stand up u may join the herd and take what you are given .
Deep but every part is relevant to life and sport .
Effort/good attitude or just talent
If you are to pick one does effort/good attitude give you more opurtinities in time. If the talent does nt put in the effort and mediocre attitude .
Challenge them without being over the top again every child needs different challenges. No one size fits all .
In fairness u12 now again holds some competitive element . Just to let you know I m not just randomly picking out things its just from observation snd experience ."
I know that. Your posts are always pretty well thought out, with the odd left field idea, which are things I think we need more of. Lads trotting out the same old ideas that didnt work before arent going to solve any of our problems.
I deliberately left out parents. I think anyone who has ever been involved with a team has had to deal with them. For better or worse. Least said the better.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 13:39:38    2654973

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Formertownie I can tell you, as an active coach I never heard a parent coming to me quoting mental health over a hurling match.
And I have had parents complaining about game time, but we often go back and ask them does their child practice between sessions? Do they work on the weaknesses which we have flagged to them? Do they get out and hurl and practice with them?
I said to one last Summer, your child is in this field for 3-4 hours a week. They are in your house for the other 164 hours. What you want them to do in those 164 hours is up to you, we can't control it. But they'll not improve if the hurl never leaves the boot. Put it back on them that their role is much bigger than they think. If their son isn't improving, its more their fault as parents than those over their team. "Oh but I never played Camogie".......yes but you can throw a ball 10ft which is more than your son can hit it because he never practices.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1546 - 04/02/2026 14:05:34    2654983

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Found it interesting that Darragh McCarthy is a selector for Nenagh CBs while still in UL

Obviously, they cost a fortune but I think the coaches of the rugby schools in Dublin tend not to be teachers

Very difficult to get non-teachers to coach schools teams due to time constraints

Could be mistaken but have it in my head that Conor Hearne, Rory Jacob, and Ronán Joyce are with Peter's, Kevin Foley is with Enniscorthy CBS, John Hegarty and David Redmond are with Wexford CBS, Conor Devitt is with Gorey CS, and Ian Byrne is with the FCJ

Deploying coaches to secondary schools might be a very smart use of resources but might not be financially feasible

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 849 - 04/02/2026 14:23:56    2654989

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Found it interesting that Darragh McCarthy is a selector for Nenagh CBs while still in UL

Obviously, they cost a fortune but I think the coaches of the rugby schools in Dublin tend not to be teachers

Very difficult to get non-teachers to coach schools teams due to time constraints

Could be mistaken but have it in my head that Conor Hearne, Rory Jacob, and Ronán Joyce are with Peter's, Kevin Foley is with Enniscorthy CBS, John Hegarty and David Redmond are with Wexford CBS, Conor Devitt is with Gorey CS, and Ian Byrne is with the FCJ

Deploying coaches to secondary schools might be a very smart use of resources but might not be financially feasible"
Seamus Casey in St Mary's CBS too. Tony French and Stephen Stafford at GCC both hurled underage for Wexford also.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 15:39:01    2654992

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Found it interesting that Darragh McCarthy is a selector for Nenagh CBs while still in UL

Obviously, they cost a fortune but I think the coaches of the rugby schools in Dublin tend not to be teachers

Very difficult to get non-teachers to coach schools teams due to time constraints

Could be mistaken but have it in my head that Conor Hearne, Rory Jacob, and Ronán Joyce are with Peter's, Kevin Foley is with Enniscorthy CBS, John Hegarty and David Redmond are with Wexford CBS, Conor Devitt is with Gorey CS, and Ian Byrne is with the FCJ

Deploying coaches to secondary schools might be a very smart use of resources but might not be financially feasible"
Several current and ex intercounty hurlers in Nationsl Schools spreading the gospel also

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 16:07:01    2654999

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S Reck and liam ryan not coming back in this year. Massive, massive blows.

hunting (Wexford) - Posts: 1167 - 04/02/2026 16:28:29    2655006

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Replying To hunting:  "S Reck and liam ryan not coming back in this year. Massive, massive blows."
Surprised to hear Shane is stepping away thought he would stay on he's only 26 or 27 I think. Sad to here Jippo is gone as expected. He was some player for us on his day the best full back in the country

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 851 - 04/02/2026 17:17:23    2655014

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Replying To hunting:  "S Reck and liam ryan not coming back in this year. Massive, massive blows."
Massive blows for sure if true. We were lacking physicality at the back without them last year too. Although hopefully with lads like Murphy, Lawlor, Carley and Foley being another year older they will be that bit stronger and more wily than they were last year. Hopefully Molloy recovers from the concussion hes suffering from. Wickham seems to be improving game on game. David Clarke has been ok so far. Damien Reck and Simon Donohue will add strength and experience when they are fit to start also. New lads like Kehoe and Whelan might add something also.
We have alot of decent young backs, but they arent at the level Jippo and Shane would be as regards strength and experience. And it might take a couple of years til some of them are.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 18:13:20    2655017

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Replying To Afinestick96:  "Surprised to hear Shane is stepping away thought he would stay on he's only 26 or 27 I think. Sad to here Jippo is gone as expected. He was some player for us on his day the best full back in the country"
Shane is 28 I think. Jippo is only 30, but in fairness he's had some bad luck physically, if he can't go on that would be understandable. Suppose we will just have to wait and see is that news true.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 04/02/2026 18:16:09    2655018

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Replying To Afinestick96:  "Surprised to hear Shane is stepping away thought he would stay on he's only 26 or 27 I think. Sad to here Jippo is gone as expected. He was some player for us on his day the best full back in the country"
I don't think they retired or anything. Just not available this year.

hunting (Wexford) - Posts: 1167 - 04/02/2026 19:19:27    2655025

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Replying To hunting:  "S Reck and liam ryan not coming back in this year. Massive, massive blows."
Both have suffered a lot with injuries in recent years. Ryan particularly. Would have thought Shane Reck had a lot more to offer. Two proper defenders and not easy to replace.

Timbertony (Wexford) - Posts: 496 - 04/02/2026 19:33:16    2655027

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Out of the team who started against Kilkenny in the 2024 Championship,

4 started the two league games so far
1 came on
2 are on the panel but haven't been in the match-day squads yet

That's some level of churn to have to deal with

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 849 - 04/02/2026 19:58:16    2655029

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Replying To ExiledInWex:  "Formertownie I can tell you, as an active coach I never heard a parent coming to me quoting mental health over a hurling match.
And I have had parents complaining about game time, but we often go back and ask them does their child practice between sessions? Do they work on the weaknesses which we have flagged to them? Do they get out and hurl and practice with them?
I said to one last Summer, your child is in this field for 3-4 hours a week. They are in your house for the other 164 hours. What you want them to do in those 164 hours is up to you, we can't control it. But they'll not improve if the hurl never leaves the boot. Put it back on them that their role is much bigger than they think. If their son isn't improving, its more their fault as parents than those over their team. "Oh but I never played Camogie".......yes but you can throw a ball 10ft which is more than your son can hit it because he never practices."
I know if had told parents its your fault for not putting enough hours in with your child ..
As you can throw it further than your child can hit it even at this stage after 3 4 hours a week . You must have better parents than most clubs .
You have to decide which parents will not take offence to that .
Yes mental health has been thrown out there .
Some parents just don't get or dont accept the competitive element of team sports. All they see is one child whilst you and I see 25 . They micro analyse your every interaction with their child . .
A very very small minority but they are out there.
They dont care for the sport, the club or the other players only their child .. You just have to be very careful.with the interaction with them and don't leave yourself in vulnerable situation .

Formertownie (Wexford) - Posts: 526 - 04/02/2026 20:37:54    2655030

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How did Wexford players get on college hurling last night? Just Seen SETU Carlow won last night a few wexford lads involved. Michael Dundon was captain and playing wing forward. Surprised he hasnt been involved with Wexford this year he looks like he's gone into a huge man.

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 851 - 05/02/2026 10:32:09    2655062

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Replying To Formertownie:  "I know if had told parents its your fault for not putting enough hours in with your child ..
As you can throw it further than your child can hit it even at this stage after 3 4 hours a week . You must have better parents than most clubs .
You have to decide which parents will not take offence to that .
Yes mental health has been thrown out there .
Some parents just don't get or dont accept the competitive element of team sports. All they see is one child whilst you and I see 25 . They micro analyse your every interaction with their child . .
A very very small minority but they are out there.
They dont care for the sport, the club or the other players only their child .. You just have to be very careful.with the interaction with them and don't leave yourself in vulnerable situation ."
You can get any message you want across if you deliver it with respect.
Some parents think voluntary GAA coaches are miracle workers, you have to be honest with them and remind them they need to practice between sessions or they won't improve.
Regretably, for some parents who just want the babysitting service and no effort in the meantime and never upset "little Johnny" to quote Ben O'Connor, they need to evaluate whether or not competitive contact sports are for their children.
The last line of "you can throw a ball 10ft" was a throw-away remark, but we have got messages along those lines and similar through respectfully. For example, parents often use it to avoid getting involved but there is nothing to stop them getting the balls and cones ready for the session, fetching balls, water, and so on so forth. No previous experience required.

ExiledInWex (Dublin) - Posts: 1546 - 05/02/2026 11:25:33    2655072

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Replying To Afinestick96:  "How did Wexford players get on college hurling last night? Just Seen SETU Carlow won last night a few wexford lads involved. Michael Dundon was captain and playing wing forward. Surprised he hasnt been involved with Wexford this year he looks like he's gone into a huge man."
He has, saw him playing for Clongeen a few months ago and he was one of the biggest lads on the pitch on either team.
Think Luke Murphy was the only lad who played in the Fitzgibbon this week, for DCU, came on as a sub in their SF defeat. But pretty late on. He scored a goal off the bench in the QF.
Apart from Dundon from Clongeen, Corcoran from the Harriers, Doyle and Byrne from Oulart all started in SETU Carlows QF win over Kerry. Corcoran started in midfield. Asple from Ballyhogue and Redmond came on as subs.
TUD are straight into the SFs as group winners, Cian Browne from Gorey is captain, Mahon from Bunclody, Lawlor from the Harriers, Schokman from the Annes and Murphy from Taghmon-Camross are on the panel.
Trinity had some wexford lads but they went out after the group stages.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18252 - 05/02/2026 12:34:02    2655084

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Replying To Viking66:  "He has, saw him playing for Clongeen a few months ago and he was one of the biggest lads on the pitch on either team.
Think Luke Murphy was the only lad who played in the Fitzgibbon this week, for DCU, came on as a sub in their SF defeat. But pretty late on. He scored a goal off the bench in the QF.
Apart from Dundon from Clongeen, Corcoran from the Harriers, Doyle and Byrne from Oulart all started in SETU Carlows QF win over Kerry. Corcoran started in midfield. Asple from Ballyhogue and Redmond came on as subs.
TUD are straight into the SFs as group winners, Cian Browne from Gorey is captain, Mahon from Bunclody, Lawlor from the Harriers, Schokman from the Annes and Murphy from Taghmon-Camross are on the panel.
Trinity had some wexford lads but they went out after the group stages."
Getting good reports on Corcoran's form at the minute

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 4196 - 05/02/2026 14:52:52    2655098

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Replying To Doylerwex:  "Getting good reports on Corcoran's form at the minute"
Hopefully lads like Corcoran and Dundon can push on we need everyone in Wexford!

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 851 - 05/02/2026 15:23:35    2655106

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