Cumann Luthchleas Gael Coiste Contae Loch Garman CLUICHE CEANNAIS IOMÁINT LOCH GARMAN 2020

SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

ST. MARTINS

JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

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SATURDAY 22nd AUGUST 2020 PERMANENT TSB JUNIOR HURLING FINAL - REF: JOHN CARTON HORESWOOD v ST. MARTIN’S - Chadwicks Wexford Park 2.00pm

INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ HURLING FINAL - REF: NIALL McDONALD GUSSERANE v CRAANFORD - Chadwicks Wexford Park 6.00pm

SUNDAY 23rd AUGUST 2020 PETTITTS SUPERVALU SENIOR HURLING FINAL - REF: BARRY REDMOND SHELMALIERS v NAOMH ÉANNA - Chadwicks Wexford Park 2.00pm

THE COURTYARD FERNS INTERMEDIATE HURLING FINAL - REF: JAMES OWENS CROSSABEG-BALLYMURN v BUFFERS ALLEY - Chadwicks Wexford Park 6.00pm

In the event of a draw at the end of normal time in finals, extra-time will be played. In the event of a draw at the end of extra-time, replays will take place on Wednesday 26th August at 6pm. Amhrán na bhFiann Amhrán na bhFiann is sung today by AOIFE PARLE from the Naomh Eanna Club in Gorey. She is the current PRO for the club and is involved in their Junior Camogie Team and The Mini Academy, where she loves working with the future stars of the club. Her father Louis and brothers William and Gearoid are involved in today's County Final and her grandfather Myles is President of the club. Other than GAA her passion is singing. She raised over €15,000 for Temple Street when her song 'Silver Lining' reached no 5 in the Irish Charts alongside fellow club member Aisling O'Dwyer in 2016. This is her 3rd time to sing the anthem in Chadwicks Wexford Park and she is looking forward to stepping out on to the playing surface one more time. Aoife Parle She would like to congratulate both teams on reaching the final and is looking forward to a great game of hurling.

Amhrán na bhFiann Sinne Fianna Fáil, atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn, Buíon dár slua, thar toinn do ráinig chugainn. Faoi mhóid bheith saor, Seantír ár sinsear feasta. Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill. Anocht a théam sa bhearna baoil, Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun báis nó saoil, Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar, Seo libh canaigí Amhrán na bhFiann.

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FÁILTE ÓN gCATHAOIRLEACH A chairde go léir, fáilte is fiche go dtí and Committees that have made this Páirc Chadwicks Loch Garman inniu. weekend happen. Firstly, our CCCC Táimid ag súil go mór le cluichí spent endless hours administering bríomhaire spórtúla agus tá súil our Championships, and our Hearings agam go mbainfidh sibh go léir Committee have always been taitneamh is sult astu, bíodh is nach available at short notice. Our match mbeifear in ann iad a fheiscint ach officials, gate persons, match go fíorúil. Stewards, Gardaí, Groundsmen, On behalf of Wexford County Sponsors, staff and management Board, I wish all the clubs the best committee have all pulled together in a weekend of hurling finals. Great for the common good. credit is due to everyone involved Míle buíochas freisin to our local with Wexford that made it possible media outlets as they have provided to play our finals, especially given that earlier extensive coverage of our games every week. Our this summer the idea of playing our games online Wexford GAA TV has played a major role in seemed far from a reality. We didn’t give up hope making our games accessible to the widest and we have seen played out one of our best audience possible with great coverage and hurling championships in recent times and the commentary on our games. format of split seasons of hurling and football On the playing field our players have within a clearly defined timeframe was a major showcased their skills with fresh energy and I success with our players, clubs and our believe the standard of hurling this year was the supporters. The format of the Championship had best in recent times. Our clubs have had many many positives that will lead to much debate in issues to deal with in this time with the lack of the coming months and is probably the only tickets for matches to the fore. My sincere thanks positive sporting outcome of Covid 19. These to all the Club committees for their understanding have been testing times for Wexford GAA and and support in this time. emotions ran high earlier in the summer as we This weekend we have a real festival of hurling, had keyboard warriors with all the answers, the beginning on Saturday when we have Horeswood CPA criticising our fixtures plans with seemingly and St. Martin’s in the Permanent TSB Junior no knowledge of our championships in Wexford Hurling final and then Gusserane and Craanford and very little knowledge of fixtures in general in in the Intermediate A Hurling final. On Sunday, a dual County, and with some members of the the Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Final is media commenting without any basis in facts or between Crossabeg-Ballymurn and Buffers Alley. research. Through all this, we have done our best Naomh Éanna and Shelmaliers will contest the by our clubs and I think our approach of starting Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Final. our games as early has possible has been I wish all the teams well and and I share their vindicated by recent developments. disappointment for their families, friends and Huge credit is due to our Uachtarán, John loyal supporters that won’t be attending the Horan, who has given true leadership for the games due to the most recent restrictions. Le Association and guided us through the past six cúnamh Dé, tiocfaidh deireadh leis an géarchéim months. Credit must also go all our members who seo sar i bhfad agus beimid ábalta fáilte ó chroí ensured that the Association has been to the fore a chur roimh lucht tacaíochta mór ó gach cúinne in the community response to the pandemic and den chontae! all our clubs in Wexford have certainly played a key part during this crisis. Derec Ceannt, I also wish to acknowledge the many persons Cathaoirleach.

5 PATHS TO THE PETTITT’S SUPERVALU SENIOR HURLING FINAL Round 1 Shelmaliers ...... 2-14 Rapparees ...... 2-09 Naomh Eanna ...... BYE Round 2 Naomh Eanna ...... 2-11 Rapparees ...... 0-16 Shelmaliers ...... BYE Round 3 Naomh Eanna ...... 2-13 Shelmaliers ...... 2-12 Q-Final Shelmaliers ...... 0-22 Faythe Harriers ...... 1-12 Naomh Eanna ...... 1-17 Ferns ...... 0-13 S-Final Naomh Eanna ...... 1-20 Oulart the Ballagh ...... 1-19 Shelmaliers ...... 3-20 Glynn Barntown ...... 0-16 PATHS TO THE COURTYARD FERNS INTER. HURLING FINAL Round 1 Crossabeg-B/murn ...... 0-22 R/garogue Cushinstown . .1-17 Buffers Alley ...... 1-22 Monageer ...... 2-15 Round 2 Buffers Alley ...... 3-17 Blackwater ...... 3-14 Crossabeg/B/murn ...... 1-11 Taghmon ...... 0-15 Round 3 Buffers Ally ...... BYE Crossabeg-B/murn ...... BYE Q-Final Crossabeg/B/ymurn . . . . .2-16 Oylegate ...... 0-14 Buffers Alley ...... 3-15 Askamore ...... 0-19 S-Final Crossabeg-B/murn ...... 3-29 Bunclody ...... 1-24 Buffers Alley ...... 2-18 St James ...... 2-12 PATHS TO THE INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ HURLING FINAL Round 1 Gusserane ...... 1-15 St Marys Rosslare ...... 2-12 Craanford ...... 1-19 Shamrocks ...... 0-07 Round 2 Craanford ...... 1-13 Oulart ...... 1-19 Gusserane ...... 2-24 Our Ladys Island ...... 1-02 Round 3 Gusserane ...... BYE Craanford ...... BYE Q-Final Gusserane ...... 4-17 Castletown ...... 1-14 Craanford ...... 1-20 Tara Rocks ...... 0-19 S-Final Craanford ...... 2-15 Duffry Rovers ...... 1-09 Gusserane ...... 1-22 Shelmaliers ...... 0-19 PATHS TO THE PERMANENT TSB JUNIOR HURLING FINAL Round 1 St Martins ...... 5-15 Faythe Harriers ...... 0-15 Round 2 St Martins ...... 4-15 Davidstown ...... 0-12 Horeswood ...... 5-20 Rathnure ...... 2-10 Round 3 Horeswood ...... 3-18 Ballyhogue ...... 2-14 Q-Final Horeswood ...... 2-30 Faythe Harriers ...... 2-13 St Martins ...... 1-21 Rathnure ...... 3-08 S-Final Horeswood ...... 0-26 Rapparees ...... 0-12 St Martins ...... 1-24 Glynn Barntown ...... 2-13

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8 9 HURLING CAMPAIGN LIKE NEVER BEFORE

It's been a hurling campaign a six-week block. like never before, and if The wise decision to remove replays aren't required we'll relegation from the equation know the identity of the took some of the sting out of champions in the top four of the blow endured by the four the county's six adult grades clubs in each code who bowed by Sunday night. out after two games. Nobody could have However, assuming we foreseen the events that have return to the preferred two unfolded since we last visited groups of six format in time, it Chadwicks Wexford Park for would require eight weeks a series of finals in October of rather than six to complete a 2019. championship. At one stage it looked like And for the cohort who play we would be starved club football only, would it be completely of action for the reasonable to expect them to duration of the year, an By Alan Aherne wait so long for their appalling vista for hurling Group Sports Editor competitions to start? lovers. It's one of several questions And when that particularly People Newspapers to be explored on another day, dark cloud lifted, it was clear but for the moment we should that some innovative thinking would be focus on what's in front of us and savour the required in order to get championships up games we have to look forward to this and running. weekend. The four groups of three format was The same final pairings haven't happened resurrected for the first time since 1991 out before in any of the four grades, a reflection of necessity, a temporary substitute for the in itself of the vibrancy and freshness that two sixes in popular use since numbers in has produced so many top-quality matches each competition were reduced from 16 to 12 and talking points thus far. eight years ago. Indeed, the only direct link with a big game One of the biggest calls was to play the of the past can be gleaned from 1990, when hurling in its entirety first, followed by the full the Senior big two of Naomh Eanna and block of football. Shelmaliers clashed in the Intermediate final It was a calculated gamble in a county with in Bellefield. such a strong proliferation of dual clubs, but On that occasion, Ger Cushe captained the the on-field evidence since the action Gorey men to success, and another seven commenced on July 17 would suggest it has years would elapse before their rivals went been a resounding success. on to collect that particular title, pipping Certainly, the general standard of hurling Geraldine O'Hanrahans by a point at the on view has been most impressive, and one same venue. of the chief reasons for that must surely be Both clubs have really blossomed in recent the fact that participants have been able to times, with the fruits of diligent work on the concentrate exclusively on just one code. Coiste na nÓg scene reflected in their Many are suggesting it's the way to go for breakthrough Senior titles, captured in 2014 future campaigns, but the pitfalls must be (Shels) and 2018 respectively. explored first. And the perception at the outset that their These are exceptional circumstances, and group was the toughest of the lot has we have the evidence now to confirm that it's certainly proven correct, given that they are possible to run a successful championship in the last two standing this weekend. Naomh Eanna edged the verdict by 2-13 to from 2014 to 2017 without success, relegation 2-12 on August 1 in a clash to determine the once more two years ago came as a bitter blow. top seeds for the quarter-final. Both teams HWH-Bunclody ended their involvement at were already through, and it was a similar case the semi-final stage last October, and now they in the last round of their group in 2019 when will be hell-bent on ending this weekend they played a 2-11 (Gorey) to 0-17 draw in festival of big hurling games with a coveted Monamolin. trophy. It’s all or nothing this time, so those It’s all going to start with a game that should privileged enough to be in attendance in feature scores in abundance. After all, Chadwicks Wexford Park for this first Senior Horeswood have recorded tallies of 5-20, 3-18, final to be played in the month of August since 2-30 and 0-26 on their way to the Permanent 1966 could be in for a real treat. TSB Junior decider, while opponents St. On that occasion, Geraldine O’Hanrahans Martin’s have chalked up 5-15, 4-15, 1-21 and and Shamrocks played an exciting 3-14 each 1-24 respectively. draw, and the issue wasn’t settled until The New Ross District men last won this title September when the Barrowsiders won by 2- in 2011, beating Shelmaliers by 1-19 to 1-9, 10 to 3-4 at the second attempt. while St. Martin’s are seeking a first success While extra-time will be utilised if needed in since 2002, when Bannow-Ballymitty were all four finals this weekend, a draw after 80 beaten here by 0-6 to 0-4 in appalling minutes would lead to another first, namely a conditions. replay next Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. On the basis of performances to date, that And in this year of the unexpected, who’s to ten-point aggregate tally should be surpassed say that it won’t work out that way? Nothing in jig time, with both teams powered by would surprise me at this stage. youthful attacking units with plenty of finishing I’ve seen a lot of games in The Courtyard power. Ferns Intermediate championship to date, Saturday evening brings two opponents from more than enough to convince me that the opposite ends of the county together for the meeting of Crossabeg-Ballymurn and Buffers Intermediate ‘A’ final, with a new name Alley could go either way. guaranteed to be added to the roll of honour The Wexford District men have a bit of for a championship first played in 2012. ground to make up, having lost their most Craanford’s last big day here was in 2009, recent meeting last September by 2-14 to 0-14, when they beat Taghmon-Camross by 0-17 to but their form in recent weeks has been 0-8 in the Junior decider, twelve months after sensational. a one-point loss to Clongeen at the same Two leading contenders – main rivals stage. The Fr. O’Regans are seeking a return to Oylegate-Glenbrien, and 2019 runners-up Intermediate after suffering relegation two HWH-Bunclody – have been dispatched, years ago. whereas the Alley weren’t as stretched in their Gusserane also know all about winning knockout dismissals of Askamore and St. Junior at the second attempt as, after losing James’ respectively. heavily in a replay to Shelmaliers in their Crossabeg-Ballymurn’s sole title in this Senior football-winning season of 2016, they grade arrived in 1988, and they haven’t been in defeated Rapparees by 2-9 to 1-7 to take the the Senior ranks since their relegation twelve following year’s title. If the O’Rahillys win this years later. And after one-point final defeats to one, they will be back in the Intermediate Naomh Eanna and St. Anne’s in 2015 and 2017 grade after a 15-year gap. respectively, their desire to get over the line Best wishes to all eight participants over the will be strong. weekend. And if you are reading this match Buffers Alley’s first Intermediate success in programme online and cannot be here in 1965 was the start of a golden era that person, don’t forget that ‘The People’, ‘The incorporated twelve Senior titles and All- Standard’ and ‘The Guardian’ will carry Ireland glory in 1989 before they dropped to the comprehensive match reports from the entire second tier again at the end of 2012. weekend fixtures programme – including the After bouncing back immediately, and football first round games – in Tuesday’s contesting four Senior quarter-finals in a row editions. 12 HORESWOOD LAST JUNIOR HURING WIN 2011 was a successful year for Horeswood, The New Ross Standard reported that it was beating Castletown in the Senior Football the class of two players in particular that led Final and Shelmaliers in the Junior Hurling to such an emphatic victory. Midfielder Declan Final. The Hurling final was played in between Murphy covered every inch of the pitch as he two Leinster Championship games. As it was gave his side a solid foundation on which to Shelmaliers second team, we played work. And just in front of him was the Rochfortbridge, Westmeath in the Leinster immaculate Michael O’Hanlon, who showed Championship away on Sunday Oct. 30th , skill and accuracy in abundance with a Man of winning 1-13 to 0-12. The following Sunday the Match performance as he scored 0-10. we had a comprehensive 1-19 to 1-9 win over Shelmaliers in a sunny Wexford Park. The The Shelmaliers side could only manage one following Sunday we travelled to Portlaoise point in the closing twenty minutes as both where we were beaten 1-10 to 1-12 in the Murphy and O’Hanlon reigned supreme, with Leinster semi final by Ballyfin. After a hectic Darren O’Reilly, Leigh O’Brien and Leigh schedule we had to travel to Parnell Park the O’Brien putting up the shutters, while Eugene following Sunday, when St. Brigid’s beat us 1- Murphy, Shane O’Hanlon and Barry Hearn 20 to 3-8 in the Leinster Senior Football carried the game to their opponents up front Championship. alongside the supreme O’Hanlon.

BACK; Mark Waters, Martin Furlong, Joe Keane, Keith Cleere, Eoin Mythen, David Furlong. MIDDLE: Lorcan O'Brien, Leo Tector, Padraig Kehoe, Ivan Kehoe, Eddie Breen, Paddy Murphy, Michael O'Hanlon, Jonathan Hearn, Shane O'Hanlon, Tomas Kent, Rory O'Hanlon, Wayne Power. FRONT: Jim Wall, Declan Murphy, Conor Breen, Barry Hearn, Tommy Quinn, Eugene Murphy (Capt.), Leigh O'Brien, Darren O'Reilly, Diarmuid Hartley.

13 The sides exchange points in the opening before sub Jim Wall found the net three three minutes through Declan Murphy and minutes from the end. Horeswood’s John Redmond, before Eddie Breen put the performance was quite extraordinary given Horeswood side in front a minute later. Points their concentration on football. Given the from a John Redmod ’65 and Ibar Murphy quality of their hurling they must have put in gave Shels the lead in the seventh minute. huge preparations in between their football Then O’Hanlon struck two huge points out of success, with the victory sure to prove a real midfield , to which the Shels replied with an boost for the game of hurling. Ibar Murphy point and a 16th minute goal from Des Kehoe to lead 1-4 to 0-4. Team: Diarmuid Hartley, Ivan Kehoe, Darren O’Reilly, Jonathan Hearn, Lorcan O’Brien, In the lead up to the break it turned into the Leigh O’Brien, Tommy Quinn, Paddy Murphy, O’Hanlon show, Michael and Shane , as they Declan Murphy ( 0-1 ), Shane O’Hanlon, ( 0-3 lofted over superb points to go along with a ), Michael O’Hanlon ( 0-10, 2 frees, 1 ’65), Barry Hearn effort to lead by 0-11 to 1-5. The Barry Hearn ( 0-3 ), Eddie Breen ( 0-1 ), Shels remained in contention until the 38th Eugene Murphy, Conor Breen. Subs : Jim minute when they trailed by just two points, Wall ( 1- 0 ) for Conor Breen, Leo Tector for but thereafter it was Declan Murphy who Eddie Breen, Mark Waters for E Murphy. drove his side to victory as he took charge of Wayne Power, David Furlong, Padraig Kehoe, midfield. Barry Hearn pointed, with Michael Joe Keane, Keith Cleere, Eoin Mythen, Martin O’Hanlon hitting over five unanswered points, Furlong, Tomas Kent, Rory O’Hanlon.

A FEW WORDS FROM THE HORESWOOD CHAIRMAN A chairde, Seán Caulfield, Centra, Campile for their generous sponsorship. Mention must also be It is with great pleasure that I am writing this made of all our other sponsors without whom today. We last appeared in a Junior Hurling the running of the Club would be more Final in 2011 and after a couple of years difficult. where we didn’t quite make it we are finally where we want to be. Finally, I would like to thank our Committee for their time and effort during the year, our Much credit must go to the players for their groundsman, Thomas Kent for his hard work and dedication in preparing for this maintenance of our pitches and here's hoping Championship. I would like to acknowledge we can bring home the cup for our players, the detailed preparation of manager, Roger Club and supporters. Ennis and his selectors; Michael Duffin, John Kehoe, John Walsh and Stephen O’Connor. Is mise le meas

I would like to extend gratitude to our main Charlie Rowe sponsors, SSE Airtricity, Great Island and Chairman

14 HORESWOOD GAA While football has been dominant in the club resulted in them winning the replay, which since the turn of the century, resulting in a wasn’t played until June 1952, 3-10 to 1-9. first ever Senior Title in 2005, followed by Incidentally the team trained then in Oliver further wins in 2006, 2009 and 2011, the club O’Sullivans field in Ballinamona. Oliver’s two was a strong force in hurling in the 50’s and grand nephews, Eamonn and Joe, play on 60’s. The foundation was laid in the 40’s, with today’s team. the club appearing in 6 Minor Finals. After losing to Rathnure 3-1 to 2-6 in the 1941 We were back in the 1952 final, just four decider, a first ever County title in either months after the 1951 decider, after again code, despite different clubs in the parish beating Rathnure in the semi final 7-3 to 5-6. being in existence since the William K Our opponents, St. Aidan’s were backboned Redmond’s Football club was formed in by household names such as Art Foley, Nick 1889, was won when the Minors beat O’Donnell, Padge Kehoe, Harry O’Connor, Enniscorthy Emmets 13-2 to 5-0. Playing on Tom Ryan, Ted Morrissey and Wilkie Thorpe that team were Dominic and John Hearn, and won easily 2-12 to 2-2. Up to then the grandfather and grand uncle respectively of Championship was knockout but a league current player Barry and Damien. system was introduced in 1954 and we beat Cushinstown 5-4 to 2-3 and Buffers Alley 4- Other connections with today’s team were Jimmy Breen, grandfather of Eddie and 12 to 2-1 to qualify for the semi final against Michael Caulfield, grand uncle of Declan and Ferns which we won 4-6 to 2-4. Gavin Murphy. The club went on to contest further Minor finals in1945, losing 2-5 to 0-1 Due to Wexford’s involvement in the All to Rathnure. In 1947 they lost 2-2 to 4-6 to Ireland Final, the County Final against St. P.H. Pearses. Ardcolm, Castlebridge were Aidan’s, who were going for three in a row, the opponents in 1948 and 1949 and they did not take place until the last Sunday in were victorious on both occasions winning in November, 14 weeks after the semi final. ’48, 4-2 to 2-3 and 5-3 to 5-2 in ’49. Only one Ground conditions were atrocious but it didn’t title was won from 6 final appearances. prevent the Enniscorthy side from an easy 5- 5 to 0-6 win. With an aging team we were However many of these players backboned relegated to Intermediate in 1956. the Junior team which beat Gorey Wolfe Tones 3-13 to 0-2 in the 1947 final and won In the meantime George Harrell, father of promotion to the Senior ranks as there was Tommy of London fame, and Tommy Kehoe, no Intermediate Grade then. During the ‘50’s, had formed another club in Aclare, called St. which saw the resurgence of Wexford Patrick’s. They trained where the present Hurling, Horeswood contested 3 Senior Kennedy Arboretum is, and in 1958 won the Finals in ’51, ’52 and ’54. In 1951 we met County Juvenile (U-16 ) Championship. Paddy Rathnure in the semi final. Between both Whitty, Paddy Quinn, Dick Shannon and club’s, ten of the Wexford All Ireland Final Robert Barron, graduated from that team to panel were playing, and with full back Martin the Intermediate side which beat Cloughbawn Byrne curtailing Nicky Rackard, Horeswood in the 1961 Final, 4-5 to 2-6. Two years later were in a first ever Senior Final after a 1-7 to we were back in the Senior Final but 1-4 win. In the final against Cloughbawn, the opponents, Oylegate, with the assistance of first game ended up Horeswood 1-13 Ballyhogue stalwarts such as Phil Wilson, Joe Cloughbawn 3-7. and Willie Foley were easy 6-9 to 2-4 winners. We continued playing in the Senior Grade until Cloughbawn’s superior goal scoring ability 1970.

15 HORESWOOD CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE It's a great honour for me and Rowe, Covid officer Denis my family to have the opportunity Cadogan along with our main to captain this Horeswood sponsors SSE Airtricity, Great Hurling team. Island, and Seán Caulfield, Centra, Campile, for providing Our Management team of Roger the team and management with Ennis, Mick Duffin, John Kehoe, everything we need to compete. John Walsh and Stephen O’Connor have put in a great I would also like to take this effort with this group of players opportunity to thank Wexford over the past three years as well GAA for ensuring that a putting a huge amount of time Championship could be played into underage hurling in in the current climate, it has Horeswood for a number of been a fantastic outlet for years, bringing a lot of those players and supporters alike. players through to be a vital part of today’s panel and expended I feel privileged to get the chance panel. represent this club in another County final and hopefully we This has been a particularly can add to the clubs successfully difficult year for everyone and history. credit must be given to our own Club Committee led by Charlie Shane O’Hanlon HORESWOOD MANAGEMENT TEAM

Horeswood selectors: Roger Ennis (Trainer, Manager), Stephen O'Connor, John Kehoe, Michael Duffin, John Walsh.

16 HORESWOOD - PERMANENT TSB JUNIOR HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

Back Row: Nigel Dunne-Sheriff; Gary Reilly; John Chapman; Eoin Murphy; Michael O’Hanlon; Damien Hearn; Danny Byrne-Murphy; Joe O’Sullivan; Eamonn O’Sullivan; Tomás Kent; Dean Roberts; Eddie Breen; Alex Molloy; John Bradley; Shane O’Hanlon (Capt.); Danny Nolan. FRONT ROW: Seán Nolan; Jamie Myler; Seán Hunt; David Murphy, Barry Hearn; Declan Murphy; Gavi Murphy; Brian Kehoe; Tommy Quinn; Neil Ennis; Jack Kehoe. ROGHNÓIRÍ

HORESWOOD manager: roger ennis JUNIOR HURLING Selectors: michael Duffin, John Kehoe, John Walsh, Stephen o'Connor

1 NEIL ENNIS

2 DAVID MURPHY 3 SHANE O’HANLON (C) 4 BRIAN KEHOE

DANNY BARRY HEARN EAMONN O’SULLIVAN 5 BYRNE-MURPHY 6 7

8 JAMIE MYLER 9 DECLAN MURPHY

10 JACK KEHOE 11 SEAN HUNT 12 SEAN NOLAN

13 EDDIE BREEN 14 MICHAEL O’HANLON 15 JOE O’SULLIVAN

FIR IONAD

17. DAmieN HeArN 23. GAry reiLLy exteNDeD pANeL: 18. GAviN murpHy 24. NiGeL DuNNe-SHeriFF 25. DeAN roBertS 19. JoHN BrADLey 26. ALex moLLoy 20. eoiN murpHy 27. moSSy KeNt 21. DANNy NoLAN 28. JASoN murpHy 22. JoHN CHApmAN 29 tommy QuiNN

18

ST. MARTIN’S ROGHNÓIRÍ JUNIOR HURLING Bainisteoir: ian Waters roghnóiri: Colm o’Leary Joe o’Byrne

1 CALLUM QUIRKE

2 TONY KELLY 3 DÓNAL KELLY (C) 4 PHILLIP DEMPSEY

5 SHANE WALSH 6 MARK MOLONEY 7 EOIN O’LEARY

8 ADAM CANTWELL 9 JOE BARRETT

10 DARREN CODD 11 KYLE FIRMAN 12 CONOR KELLY

13 JACK DEVEREUX 14 DAVID CANTWELL 15 ZAC FIRMAN

FIR IONAD

16. rory WALSH 20. JAmie Berry

17. ryAN murpHy 21. BeN morriS

18. JoHNNy HAmiLtoN 22. CoNor Devereux

19. oiSíN WAterS

19 ST. MARTIN’S - PERMANENT TSB JUNIOR HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

Back row, L-R: Joe Barrett, Conor Kelly, Kyle Firman, David Cantwell, Callum Quirke, Rory Walsh, Adam Cantwell, Ryan Murphy, Philip Dempsey, Conor Devereux, Ben Morris. Front tow, L-R: Eoin O’Leary, Mark Maloney, Donal Kelly, Tony Kelly, Jack Devereux, Shane Walsh, Darren Codd, Oisín Waters, Jamie Berry, Zac Firman. Message from St. Martin’s Captain Today is a very proud day for me sponsor Pettitt’s SuperValu, to lead this team out for a county have been a big support to us final and it is a huge pity that our and continue to provide great families and club supporters backing to all the teams in the cannot be with us to share in the club. final experience. My brother, Paudie, was co-captain of our It has been fantastic to have the senior team in 2019 and the chance to play the sport we love memories of winning senior will in this year of Covid-19 and, remain forever. This year, while we are all fully conscious Government restrictions mean of the major health challenge that friends and family can only facing Ireland, we also fully follow the match online but I appreciate the fun and joy to be hope that we can give them something to had from chasing a sliotar around a field. To cheer about in this most unusual of years. our family, friends and wider club we say a big “thank you” for their support during the year A big thank you to our management team of Ian Waters, Colm O’Leary and Joe O’Byrne Finally, I want to acknowledge the hard work who have put in great work since the start of and dedication shown by the whole team in the season. Many thanks also to senior getting to this final. They have shown great manager, John Meyler, and his selectors as honesty, heart and hard work in getting to this we have trained with him and the senior team stage and, while I know we have a big task for much of 2020. We are indebted also to our ahead in the shape of Horeswood, hopefully kitman, Cormac O’Boyle, to Paddy Waters luck will be on our side to help us get the who has faithfully videoed our matches during result we want today. the year and to Roy Coleman and Ben Hunt who have undertaken 1st aid / physio duties Naomh Máirtín abú! in 2020. The club management, and our main DONAL KELLY

Left to Right: Kitman Cormac O’Boyle, Ian Waters (Manager), Colm O’Leary (Selector) and Joe O’Byrne (Selector, inset).

21 Message from St. Martin’s Club Chairman

Charles Dickens once wrote that “It was the management and the support team to get best of times, it was the worst of times…. it to this point has been supported off the was the season of light, it was the season field by a very active Executive Committee of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it who have been to the fore in coping with the was the winter of despair”. Today, as we Covid-19 environment, and particular look forward to our Junior hurling final thanks in this regard must go to Jenny against Horeswood, I am reminded of these Bates, Club Secretary. words as I look back on this strangest of years. We have also been blessed to have the long-standing and generous support of the Through it all, the GAA family has pulled Pettitt family down through the years and together in countless ways to support the we extend our best wishes to Des, Cormac vulnerable and the wider community and and the entire clan. Their support for the we share a deep sense of loss for those club covers all ages and branches and it is who have died from the Covid-19 virus. The deeply appreciated by all in the Club. value of our games has never been more obvious than when they were taken away As we prepare for this hugely important from us and the fact that clubs have been match for the club I want to remember the able to welcome people back to their club people who have passed to their pitches, even if just for a few months, is a reward in the past year. This has been a victory in itself. particularly difficult period for families to mourn their loved ones and the Club stands The physical act of returning to the playing shoulder to shoulder with them in this fields, of meeting friends and neighbours testing time. again, has been a big boost to general mental and physical wellbeing and I think Finally, to all our supporters and sponsors: that 2020 will be the year when the value of your backing and help is greatly club and community has been fully appreciated and we wish that you could all understood by all. With that in mind, and be with us today in Chadwicks Wexford while hoping of course for a win today for Park for this special occasion. However, in our junior team, I want to acknowledge the these exceptional times, you will have to massive efforts by healthcare workers, rely on twitter and live streaming to keep in frontline staff and other volunteers in our touch but we hope that your virtual support parish and all over Wexford to keep our will help to get our brave junior warriors communities safe. over the line. Naomh Máirtín abú!

The huge effort put in by the players, their Cian Ó Lionáin

22 23 A Few Words from the gusserane-O’Rahilly’s Secretary It has been a very difficult year for the GAA supported and sent well wishes to the team and we are glad that all our members and for today’s final. players have remained safe and well during COVID-19. It is a very different final than We thank Derek, Gearoid and all the team any other finals we have been in. in Wexford Pk for the support they have shown to clubs during these times and for However players and their management live streaming the games. It certainly helps team are delighted to reach today’s final. our supporters who would like to be here They have trained hard and I must in Wexford Park today. compliment them all on how they adapted to the COVID 19 guidelines, working on Finally best of luck to our players and their fitness during lockdown and training management Team in today’s final. hard when back on the field.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, Lorraine O’Neill, executive commitee and all who have Rùnaì

24 Message from gusserane-O’Rahilly’s Captain Sean Ryan It's been a strange year for the gaa, for a long while It didn't look like we were going to get to play any sport at all this year so when we came back we we just delighted to be back playing and all the lads have put in a massive effort to date. Aidan, Graham, Mikie and James have been brilliant and they have a great bond with all the lads so everything has been working well. A lot of people behind the scenes have put in a big effort, putting the measures in place with COVID and so on and thanks to all them too! We're all looking forward to the game Saturday so hopefully we can put in another good performance and see where that takes us. gusserane Backroom Team

Left to Right back row: Ger Murphy, Selector, James Kinsella, Manager, Aidan O'Connor, Selector Graham Wall. Front Row: Selector Michael Hennessy.

25 gusserane’s First Adult Hurling Title

As Gusserane finds itself in another county Gusserane had bowed out of the senior hurling final today it is worth noting that football championship at the semi final the club had a long wait before making the stage with a disappointing performance initial breakthrough with the small ball. By against Starlights. Many of the same the time they secured their first hurling players were glad to have the hurling to fall silverware in 1979, the O’Rahillys had back on and they secured the win with a already notched up five senior football scoreline of 1-8 to 0-10. This was to be the titles. first of three consecutive one point victories for this team before they would lift the So it was little wonder that when ultimate prize. Gusserane stalwart, Michael Caulfield, sent out word around Christmas 2019 that Duffry Rovers provided the opposition in there should be a forty year anniversary the county semi final. Despite a wonderful celebration in honour of the ground- John Culleton goal, The Duffry went in to breaking hurlers of 1979, the reaction was the half time break with a 1-3 to 1-2 lead. hugely positive among all club members. Seamus Cullen’s introduction in the second The achievements of that team needed to half had an immediate effect and be recognised and a great night was had by Gusserane raced in to a 2-5 to 1-3 lead. all that turned up in Power’s Bar. Even the Johnny Browne scored the goal by hand Bob O’Keeffe Leinster Cup that Wexford’s passing to the net, when that was still hurlers had won last year made an legal! John Egan performed heroics in the appearance. goal that day but could not prevent The Duffry getting a second goal. It mattered Gusserane had always had a sprinkling of little however as Gusserane held out for a decent hurlers back over the decades with 2-6 to 2-5 victory. the late, great, Paddy Kehoe being the most recognised and most decorated. Likewise A fancied St Martins team awaited them in there was always a cohort of “hurling men” the final. St Martins were a wounded in the club who for years ploughed a lonely animal having already lost the postponed furrow and did their best to promote the 1978 county final only months earlier. game in the parish. Gusserane lined out in the resplendent new jerseys that had been sponsored by Pierce The panel that was formed to compete in Power of Power’s Bar that week. An the Junior B New Ross District unusual feature of the team was the father championship had no reason to believe that and son combination of Mick and John 1979 was going to be any different to any of Culleton. the previous years. The renowned Ballycullane gael, Davy Nolan and Pat Ryan The Ross District representatives thought of Nash were given the unenviable job of they were in dreamland at half time with rounding up a team in the hope that they their 0-08 to 1-1 lead. Mick Caulfield’s could compete admirably within the district. frees (4) combined with Johnny Browne’s two points from frees and one from play They accounted for Clongeen first and then and Liam Fardy’s point accounted for Bannow Ballymitty before facing Fethard in Gusserane’s total. Joe Scott was the St the District final in New Ross. By now Martins’ goal scorer.

26 The Piercestown men were not going to go Gusserane stalwart of many campaigns, down quietly however and after 10 minutes Sean Myers have gone to their eternal of the second half they had clawed back reward. Gusserane’s lead to level the contest. The crucial score came in the final quarter. A fifty It would be another 18 years before the club fifty ball lay between Paddy Colfer and the St won its next adult hurling title. Another Martins goalie, Brian Dempsey. Paddy followed in 2017 and we can only hope that a somehow got enough on the sliotar to get it fourth is added today. For now we pay over the line and although that was homage to the following men who brought Gusserane’s only score of the second half, it glory to the club in 1979. was enough to ensure a 1-08 to 1-07 victory when Jack O’Brien blew the final whistle. Gusserane: John Egan; Kevin O'Grady, Mick Culleton, John Fitzharris; Peter Culleton, There was much jubilation when John Mick Caulfield, Pat Caulfield; Seamus Fitzharris received the cup and again later Cullen, Liam Fardy; Brendan Browne, Luke when the cup arrived back in Powers. Forty Power, John Culleton; Johnny Browne, years later many of the panel and their Paddy Colfer, Brendan Duffin. Subs. - Seán supporters returned to Powers to relive the Myers for Duffin, also John Joe Murphy, Pat campaign and swap a few truths and a good Kehoe, Brendan Colfer, Willie Culleton, Joe many lies. Team manager Davy Nolan and Nolan.

Gusserane’s First Adult Hurling Title, Back Row L to R: Pat Ryan, John Joe Murphy, Peter Culleton, Pat Caulfield, Seamus Cullen, Liam Fardy, Luke Power, John Culleton. Front Row L to R: Mick Culleton, John Fitzharris, John Egan, Brendan Duffin, Brendan Browne, Kevin O’Grady, Mick Caulfield, Pat Kehoe.

27 gUSSERANE-O’RAHIllY’S - INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

Left to right back row: Shane Cullen, Ciaran Conway, John Roche, Paraic Conway, Gavin Sheehan, Emmet Cullen, Tommy Ryan, Jaime Sheehan, Tom Foran, Kevin O'Donahue, Mark Kehoe, Kenneth Cahill, Mark O'Neill, Donal Kinsella, Liam Dillion,. Front Row Left to right: Sean Ryan, Sam Wall, Greame Cullen, Micheal Ryan, Adrian Redmond, Jack O'Connor, Fintan Ryan, Eoin Foran, Jack Culleton, Martin Fitzharris, Mark Rossiter, Jack Burford, Shane Doyle, Conor Twomey. ROGHNÓIRÍ

GUSSERANE- manager: Aidan o’Connor Selectors: Graham Wall O’RAHILLY’S michael Hennessy INTER. ‘A’ HURLING James Kinsella 1 MICHAEL RYAN

2 JAMIE SHEEHAN 3 TOMMY RYAN 4 JACK O’CONNOR

5 PARAIC CONWAY 6 MARK ROSSITER 7 EMMET CULLEN

8 GREAME CULLEN 9 GAVIIN SHEEHAN

10 ADRIAN REDMOND 11 SAM WALL 12 KEVIN DONOHOE

13 MARK O’NEILL 14 JOHN ROCHE 15 SEAN RYAN

FIR IONAD

16 KeNNetH CAHiLL 22 SHANe CuLLeN exteNDeD pANeL: 17 eoGHAN ForAN 23 mArK KeHoe 25 DoNAL KiNSeLLA 18 mArtiN FitzHArriS 24 SHANe DoyLe 26 CiAriAN CoNWAy 19 tom ForAN 27 JACK BurForD 20 JACK CuLLetoN 28 CoNor tWomey 21 FiNtAN ryAN 29 LiAm DiLLioN

29 ROGHNÓIRÍ

CRAANFORD- John Barrie, padge Doyle, Leighton Glynn, peter Kenny, FR. O’REGAN’S Jimmy Whitty, Kevin Byrne. INTER. ‘A’ HURLING 1 ANDREW TIGHE

2 PATRICK KAVANAGH 3 PAT MURRAY 4 MICHAEL LYONS

5 TONY KAVANAGH 6 OLLIE DORAN 7 EOIN DOYLE

8 JOSEPH CONROY 9 WILLIAM CONROY

10 KEVIN POOLE 11 NIALL BERNEY 12 EAMONN DORAN

13 AIDAN KAVANAGH 14 JAMIE DOYLE 15 AODAN WHITTY

FIR IONAD

16 LuKe ByrNe 23 pAuriC reDmoND 29 JAmeS ByrNe 17 Jim KeNNy 24 StuArt ByrNe 30 SHANe KAvANAGH 18 miCHAeL o'LouGHLiN exteNDeD pANeL: pADrAiG toBiN 19 Ger LyoNS 25 JAmSie NoLAN mAttHeW NoLAN 20 miCHAeL SiNNott 26 DeS KAvANAGH mArtiN DoyLe 21 JoHN LANCASter 27 JoHN FLemiNG SeAN LyoNS 22 pAt DoyLe 28 miCHAeL LANCASter

30 CRAANFORD-FR. O’REgAN’S - INTERMEDIATE ‘A’ HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

BACK ROW L TO R: Michael Lyons, Oliver Doran, Kevin Poole, Jim Kenny, Niall Berney, Eoin Doyle, Patrick Murray (Capt), Eamonn Doran, Jamie Doyle, William Conroy, Stuart Byrne, Aidan Kavanagh, Andrew Tighe. FRONT ROW L TO R: John Lancaster, Joseph Conroy, Patrick Kavanagh, Pauraic Redmond, Michael O’Loughlin, Aodán Whitty, Ger Lyons, Luke Byrne, Michael Sinnott. Craanford Captain’s Message It is an honour for me to Special thanks to Peadar captain this Craanford team Whitty our chairman and the and to lead this group of rest of our committee for their players out today. continued support. It is largely On behalf of the team I would down to their hard work and like to thank Leighton Glynn dedication that we now are lucky our manager & John Barrie to have some of the finest club our fitness coach who have facilities in the country. worked together excellently to Also a big thank to the enable us to get here today in Redmond brothers for their their first year in charge. continued support and Huge thanks also to our sponsorship. selectors Padge Doyle, Kevin Lastly, thank you to our Byrne & Jimmy Whitty, our kit supporters and families for their man Peter Kenny & physio continued support. Cian O’Toole. Unfortunately, they can’t all be in attendance As a group this year we’ve trained hard and today. We are grateful to Elaine Byrne for were hit with the unprecedented challenges keeping everyone updated with match posed by the current pandemic. Despite this, photographs, updates and scores as they we faced this challenge and others including happen. injuries head on and big credit to all of our This group of players has a mix of youth and panel and extended panel who have shown experience which complement each other brilliant commitment throughout. well and has created a good team dynamic. On that note, I’d like to wish speedy Hopefully the hard work and dedication over recoveries to Shane Kavanagh, Tony the year pays off today. Kavanagh & Matthew Nolan who will be Craanford Abú. missed on the field today. Patrick Murray

TRY OUR LUNCHES. TASTE THE DIFFERENCE.

Unit A3 & A4 Enniscorthy Business Park Dublin Road Enniscorthy Co. Wexford

www.freshtoday.ie 32 Craanford Chairman’s Message It is my privilege to welcome you all to our underage mentors, I thank you. This day Chadwicks Wexford park today. County Final the fruits of your hard work over many years. day is a really wonderful occasion for our I wish compliment the County Board on the club. It is a day on which we are all reminded way this competition has been run off this of the value of our national game and the year in such a prompt manor and I hope we entertainment and joy it brings to each and can learn from this for years to come. every community. Lastly, I would like to wish both teams, I would Like to thank and commend our mentors and officials the best of luck and players and management team who have may the best team win. worked tirelessly since last November and went about their business in such a Le Gach Dea-ghuí professional manner. Peadar Whitty Chairman Also, to our committee, supporters and all Craanford Fr. O’Regans GAA

Craanford Backroom Team

John Barrie, Padge Doyle, Leighton Glynn, Peter Kenny, Jimmy Whitty, Kevin Byrne.

33 Betty Shortle was nominated in 2019 as our was invaluable as she was a full-time nurse Club%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% person of the year, she joined Craanford in her day job and knew when a player needed Fr O %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Regans GAA club many years ago. to be brought to the doctor or given friendly Straight away Betty got very involved in the encouragement! She also looked after the %%%%% %%.F(@%-"%%%%%%%%%%% running of the club and was secretary of the insurance claims for any of the players who Board%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% n’og section of the club back then. needed it and that was and is a major Throughout%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% her time with the club Betty has headache. Betty was very involved in the been%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% an outstanding member and was club organisation of our team weekend away trips treasurer%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% for many years. It would be and many a great weekend was had by all ! On impossible%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% to total what money she has raised top of all that Betty has been an active for our club but suffice to say that we'd have member of the club committee for more years %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% been in Nama only for her with her foremost than she cares to remember and rarely ever in selling Model%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% county tickets, lotto tickets or misses a meeting and always puts the club whatever%%%%%%%%%%%%% tickets were stirring! Betty also first in her contributions.%%%%% She was definitely patrolled%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% our side-lines as chief first aid for deserving of our nomination as club person of all our teams%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% both at underage and adult level the year in 2019. Clubs can’t succeed without in football%%%%%%%%% and hurling and in all grades and all our%%%%%%% wonderful volunteers within our clubs. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%

34 35 MESSAgE FROM THE SPONSOR

A chairde, I am very proud to say that this is the 27th year of Pettitt's sponsorship of the Wexford senior club hurling championship. It has been a very challenging year for all clubs adapting to the new fixture schedule and adhering to the new regulations Covid19 has brought. I think it is a credit to all that we have had such a competitive and entertaining competition. Congratulations to Naomh Eanna and Shelmaliers on reaching the Senior hurling final in what will be a very different final to what we are used to, but will be every bit as competitive with a county title on the line. The very best of luck to both teams.

Cormac Pettitt Managing Director, Pettitts SuperValu

Simon Donohoe (Shelmalier Captain), Cormac Pettitt and Brendan Travers (Naomh Eanna Captain)

36

An Illustrious Past, an Exciting Present and a Commitment to the Future.

Tradition “Tom Murphy and Will Neville, they began to lay them level, When they thought of Tom the Devil with his pitchcap and his shears,** Cork first tried to win by moaning but when the greens were scoring, They flew like ansheecorums from the Bold Shelmaliers”

This is a verse from the well-known song, the boys in blue from Rathangan. Now here written by Jim Rossiter of Castlebridge in we are again, in our most successful spell 1905, and kept alive for many years by the since the glory days of a hundred years ago. late Paddy Donohoe of Curracloe, ‘The Bold In the last seven years we’ve won both senior Shelmaliers’. The song commemorated the hurling and football, building on a period of 1890 All Ireland, when Castlebridge, unprecedented success at under-age level in representing Wexford, played Aghabullogue, previous years. This period of success on the representing Cork, in the All Ireland hurling field has been matched by a dynamic final. A point down in the second half, the development of our facilities at Hollymount. Cork team left the field, complaining of the Sometimes the G.A.A. is accused of being too rough play of the Over the Water men. The hidebound by tradition, and too slow to Central Council subsequently awarded the change. Whatever about that, our game and the title to Cork, and it’s been on consciousness of, and respect for our the roll of honour ever since. And we’re not traditions is one of the wonderful things a bit sore about it! about our association. In a world where things that we once thought of as fixed and As the whole world knows, we got our All unchangeable can change in the blink of an Ireland in 1910, and captured a dozen county eye, the fixed reference points of our history titles in a golden era up to 1930. We were the and tradition are a constant, a guide and a Ballyhale Shamrocks of that time, the comfort. representatives of an ancient tradition Last year, during Wexford’s memorable run cutting a dash on the local and national to the All Ireland semi-final, Simon Donohoe stage. of Curracloe was a constant at corner back (who will ever forget that point in the Another Spell in the Sun Leinster Final!). Simon is a great-grandson The gravy train rather dried up then, at of a 1910 All Ireland winner. His presence on senior level at least, until a glorious day in the Wexford team is both a reflection of the October 2014 in Wexford Park when we constancy of tradition, and the standard the ended an 83-year famine in a replay against club is now at.

** Tom the Devil was a captain of the North Cork Militia during the ’98 rising, who specialised in torturing and pitchcapping rebels. Pitchcapping was a particularly hideous procedure whereby hot tar was poured over the head of the prisoner, allowed to cool and then ripped off, removing a good portion of the scalp of the unfortunate victim in the process.

38 Laoch ar Lár great contribution to our club in many ways as On occasions like this we tend to remember a team mentor, a committee member, a those who are no longer with us. We recently fundraiser – all the many roles played by club bade farewell to Jack Harding. Jack, who won volunteers the length and breadth of the a county junior title with the Shels in 1954, was country. His children and grandchildren have an All Ireland winner with Wexford in 1960. continued the tradition and are deeply Jack lined out at full forward and broke the involved in the club. hearts of the Tipperary full back line with his Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. drive and workrate. He scored a point himself and created space and chances for many other Here’s to the Future scores. On a day when Wexford were very much Whatever happens on Sunday against Gorey, the underdogs going into the game, Jack was we look to the future with confidence. We’re instrumental in fashioning a shock of major fielding three adult hurling teams, we have a proportions and became one of that elite group vibrant under-age section, using facilities that who have a senior All Ireland medal. are second to none. With one eye on our Although Jack will always be remembered as traditions, we’re enjoying our current success an All Ireland winner, he went on to make a while building for the future.

JACK HARDING

39 Shelmalier gAA Club Message On behalf of the Shelmalier management the club – we couldn’t do it without you – so committee we would like to welcome please know that your work is appreciated. everyone who is tuning in to watch or listen to We work hard in Hollymount to provide the County Final today. It is indeed a strange facilities for the local community and a feeling to be contemplating an occasion healthy outlet for physical activity for our without supporters, with social distancing young (and not so young!) people. It is our and scheduled water breaks! However, we primary role to promote participation in our must make the best of what we have. native Gaelic games and we will continue – Congratulations to the panel and with your support – to provide this service to management team for their efforts this year the people of our parish and surrounding area and we sincerely hope they get the reward in to the future. they so richly deserve later today. We would A word of thanks to Derek Kent and his team like to take this opportunity to thank all the on County Board and in Wexford Park who are people who help in any way to keep our club working in an extremely challenging situation thriving in this modern era and especially in – well done and keep up the good work. We these challenging times. wish referee Barry Redmond and his team To our main sponsor ‘The Porter House’ and well today – and while we always wish our all the other businesses and individuals who opponents – we sincerely hope that the BOLD support our club financially – we especially Shelmaliers will be celebrating later this appreciate you and we always encourage our evening. members and supporters to support these local businesses whenever possible. To all Chairman – Myles Doyle who volunteer for ALL the various roles within Secretary – John Banville Shelmalier Backroom Team

Colm Parker, Martin Byrne, Vinnie Parker (Manager), Chris McGrath, Mick Purcell.

40 Shelmalier Captain’s Message

It is a great honour for me to be captain of the Shelmalier senior hurling team for the 2020 county final. I am very proud to lead such a committed and dedicated panel of players and I would like to commend them for their effort in what has been a very unusual season indeed. In Wexford the senior hurling county final is a special occasion and it is a privilege to be a part of it on this occasion.

I would like to pay tribute to Vinnie Parker and his entire management and backroom team for the effort that they have put into preparing the team this year. It has been an enjoyable experience, we have worked hard together and we hope that this will be reflected in our play today.

Thanks also to the Shelmalier management committee for their support throughout the season and for the excellent facilities that they put at our disposal. I would also like to commend the work of Coiste na ’Óg who continue to work hard to keep producing young players for our adult teams.

Thanks also to Myles Doyle and the Porter House for their sponsorship – it is much appreciated. And to our fantastic supporters – I realise that it has been a difficult year but your support around the parish has been fantastic and we look forward to a time when everyone gets to attend all matches again.

I wish all the officials well today and sincerely hope that at the end of the proceedings it is the black and amber who will take the cup back to Hollymount for the 2nd time.

SIMON DONOHOE

41 SHElMAlIER - PETTITT’S SENIOR HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Ciaran O'Shaughnessy, Adam Howlin, Aidan Cash, Craig Parker, Glen Malone, Conor Walsh,Brian Malone, Joe Kelly, Sean Keane Carroll, Ciaran Walsh, Simon Donohoe, Ross Banville, Eoin Doyle, FRONT: Andree O'Brien, Dylan O'Neill, Kyle Roche, Jody Donohoe, Paul Hearne, Arnie Murphy, Eoghan Nolan, James Cash, Conor Hearne, Willie O' Shaughnessy, Brian Murphy. L MAOL SÍO ÚIR ROGHNÓIRÍ

SHELMALIER vinnie parker (manager) SENIOR HURLNG Colm parker F O S LLO ARE W ME WHO D martin Byrne Chris mcGrath mick purcell 1 BRIAN MURPHY

2 SIMON DONOHOE 3 AIDAN CASH 4 JODY DONOHOE

5 GLEN MALONE 6 BRIAN MALONE 7 CONOR WALSH

8 CONOR HEARNE 9 EOIN DOYLE

SEAN JAMES CASH ROSS BANVILLE 10 11 12 KEANE CARROLL

CIARAN EOGHAN NOLAN JOE KELLY 13 14 O’SHAUGHNESSY 15

FIR IONAD

16. ADAm HoWLiN 21. DyLAN o’NeiLL exteNDeD pANeL: 17. ANDre o’BrieN 22. CiArAN WALSH BeNNy BArroN 18. ArNie murpHy 23. WiLLie o’SHAuGHNeSSy AAroN DoyLe 19. KyLe roCHe 24. pAuL AHeArNe 20. CrAiG pArKer

43 NAOMH ÉANNA ROGHNÓIRÍ SENIOR HURLNG Selectors - Louis Cullen, pat Doyle and padraig Cronin trainer - Willie Cleary physio - Adrian Copeland Nutritionist - yvonne treacy JACK CUSHE Backroom/Stats - Barry Cleary 1 and John oLeary mascot - Dara travers

BRENDAN TRAVERS PEDRO TRAVERS 2 3 (C) 4 EOIN CONROY

5 SEAN DOYLE 6 EOIN MOLLOY 7 JACK CULLEN

8 AODHAN DOYLE 9 GARY MOLLOY

10 CHARLIE McGUCKIN 11 PADRAIG DOYLE 12 CIAN MOLLOY

13 CATHAL DUNBAR 14 CONOR McDONALD 15 DAVID O’BRIEN

FIR IONAD

16. BArry KiNSeLLA 22. JACK DorAN 27. SeAmuS oDoNNeLL 17. DArrAGH HuGHeS 23. CiAN BroWNe 28. evAN oDWyer 18. roBBie HAyeS 24. DArrAGH CANAvAN 29. SeAN DoWLiNG 19. GeAroiD CuLLeN 25. Lee KiNSeLLA 30. NAtHAN ByrNe 20. tom StAFForD exteNDeD pANeL: 31. SeAN DeLANey 21. WiLLiAm CuLLeN 26. JoHN oBrieN

44 NAOMH ÉANNA - PETTITT’S SENIOR HURlINg CHAMPIONSHIP FINAlISTS 2020

(BACK LEFT TO RIGHT) Louis Cullen, Padraig Cronin, Brendan Travers, John O’Brien, Darragh Hughes, Lee Kinsella, Tom Stafford, Gearoid Cullen, Padraig Doyle, William Cullen, Robbie Hayes, Gary Molloy, Cian Molloy, Eoin Molloy, Seamus O’Donnell, Sean Delaney, Nathan Byrne, Barry Kinsella and Jack Cushe. (FRONT:) Pedro Travers, Sean Dowling, Cathal Dunbar, Cian Browne, Jack Doran, Sean Doyle, David O’Brien, Eoin Conroy, Darragh Canavan,Charlie McGuckin, Willie Cleary, Pat Doyle, Aodhn Doyle and Jack Cullen. Mascot Dara Travers. Missing Evan O’Dwyer. Naomh Éanna Captain’s Message Today is a very proud day for ourselves and our families. On a personal level, it is a great honour and privilege to captain Naomh Eanna Senior hurling team in today's Pettitt's Senior Hurling Final.

It's every player's ambition to lead their team and community on important occasions like this and I would like to thank the management team for giving me the opportunity to do so. I would also like to thank my fellow teammates for their unwavering dedication over this unusual year. It is this dedication that has resulted in the club reaching this stage of the competition for the second time ever in its history.

This is a great day for the all club members and we hope to make it another special day to remember for all involved.

I would like to remember all the players who have worn the green and white jersey with pride and determination down the years, we hope to make them proud.

It is important to recognise the work of the club's underage structures, which have to wish all officials involved today the best greatly contributed to this team's goal of of luck. winning a second Senior hurling title in three years. Finally, I hope that today will be a great advertisement for Wexford hurling and I I would also like to give great thanks to our wish all supporters a safe journey home. many supporters who follow and It's been great having an opportunity to encourage all teams in the club wherever play the game we love during this and whenever we play. I would like to thank unprecedented health crisis. Níl aon our main Sponsor Pettitt's Supervalu. They cumann mar do chumann féin! have generoulsy supported the club for many years as well as the Senior Hurling Brendan Travers Championship in Wexford. I would also like Captain

46 Naomh Éanna Secretary Message As Secretary of Naomh Eanna I am delighted has ensured success. to welcome you to the Senior Hurling Final for A special mention to my fellow selectors 2020. Considering the year we have had it is Louis Cullen, Pat Doyle and Willie Cleary for all great to be here. Especially considering that their hard work and preparation to get the earlier in the year the likelihood of competitive team to this level. We have gone from strength GAA action was very slim. to strength over the past few weeks and Reaching our second Senior Hurling County hopefully today the players and management Final in three years is a tremendous will secure the honours. achievement and I would like to take this The Club would like to thank our main opportunity to wish the lads the very best of sponsors Pettitts for their generosity over the luck today. Shelmaliers are formidable past couple of years. opponents and it will take a monumental effort I would like to thank my fellow officers Nicky to overcome the challenge. Stafford (Chairman) and Kevin Molloy Our Coiste na nOg section has been very (Treasurer) and all the Committee for their successful over the past few years and the help and support during the year. seeds of this success is beginning to blossom I would also like to recognise the efforts and at adult level. The majority of today's panel dedication of all those involved in the health have developed their skills over the years at care sector who have tackled the Covid-19 underage level and playing Rackard League. challenge, putting their own lives at risk. Your Today they are an inspiration to the next dedication, commitment and courage deserve generation of young hurlers as to what can be our deepest gratitude and admiration. Thank achieved with hard work and practice. The Club you. owe a debt of gratitude to all mentors, parents and players whose dedication and commitment Padraig Cronin, Runaí Cumann Naomh Éanna NAOMH ÉANNA MANAgEMENT

Naomh Eanna backroom team (left to right): Louis Cullen, Pat Doyle, Willie Cleary and Padraig Cronin.

47 Naomh Éanna - 50 Years Strong 2020 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Naomh points from play when marking Denis Éanna GAA club. Public meetings were held to Coughlan, one of Cork's strongest defenders. examine the possibility of forming one club The club reclaimed the Intermediate hurling representing the town in hurling and gaelic title in 1990, 2001 and 2015. Naomh Éanna's football. The origins of the clubname are first Senior hurling captain was the great Tom uncertain. Founding club member Tadhg Kelly ‘Pudden’ Doyle. Pudden was a master has noted how the clubname may have handballer and claimed an All-Ireland title in originated from the name of the town's local the Masters ‘A’ division in 1988. Pudden pitch, Páirc Éanna. Páirc Éanna was named in partnered fellow Wexford man Seamus Buggy. tribute to Pádraig Pearse’s nationalist Prior to the club’s maiden Senior Hurling title secondary school Scoil Éanna, which was victory in 2018, the club came closest to a established in Ranelagh, Co. Dublin in 1908. Senior Hurling Championship final appearance in 1979 when they lost to Faythe One Michael ‘Duckman’ Kennedy was Harriers by 2-16 to 1-14. involved in founding Naomh Éanna and St. Michael’s Football Club. Prior to these events, Páirc Uí Síocháin is the club’s home venue. Duckman played Gaelic games in England and It inherits its name from a time when the he captained St. Finbar’s to their first ground was owned by Wexford County Board. Warwickshire Senior championship. Duckman The County Board gave the Clonattin venue its and St. Finbar’s went onto lose in the U.K. club name two weeks after the death of Mr Pádraig championship by a single point to the delight Ó Siocháin, a former secretary of Gorey Wolfe of a Lancashire outfit. Tones and Gorey Blues. A secretary to the Four years after the club’s formation, County’s Football Board for many years, Naomh Éanna claimed the 1974 county Pádraig was keen to see the creation of a GAA Intermediate hurling title. Captained by Mickey headquarters in Gorey town and district. Sheil, the team featured renowned attacker Naomh Éanna’s three All-Ireland hurling Seánie Kinsella. He played for Wexford at medal winners, Ger Cushe, Billy Byrne, and minor and Under-21 levels before making his Shane McGuckin are heavily involved in the inter-county debut in 1972, when he scored six club’s under-age activities.

Naomh Éanna’s Under-8’s wishing their team all the best in today’s final.

48 The club’s crest represents four significant Eoin, and the Cullens, William and Gearóid, club features: our national games; the seven are related. The Molloys’ grandmother Mary hills that surround Gorey (Ballyminaun Hill, Molloy is a first cousin once removed of Tara Hill, Gorey Hill, Annagh Hill, Banogue William and Gearóid. Hill, Aske Hill and Coolishall Hill); the pikes of 1798 and the battle of Tubberneering; the Goat Many of Naomh Éanna’s players attended that may represent the origin of the town’s St. Joseph’s Primary School. Current Principal Irish translation of Guaire – Gabhar (goat). Pádraig Cronin serves as club secretary and Following a competition organised by then Senior selector. In 2013, the school claimed a Coiste na nÓg Chairman, Tony Molloy, the historic seventh football Roinn A title in a row winning crest was drawn by Michael Dwyer. while Senior player Eoin Molloy captained the school to their most recent hurling Roinn A Today’s team features three sets of title victory in 2012. Seánie Kinsella and John brothers: Pádraig Doyle, Seán Doyle, and O’Brien also coached the victorious teams. Aodhán Doyle; Gary Molloy, Eoin Molloy and Senior player David O’Brien serves as a Cian Molloy; Gearóid Cullen and William teacher there at the moment. Cullen. Brendan Travers and Pedro Travers are second cousins. The Molloys, Gary and Michael Dwyer, Naomh Éanna.

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THOMAS RYAN (1893-1920)

By Dr Siobhán Doyle (TU Dublin & The GAA Museum)

November 21st 1920 was a day act of contrition into the ear of a quite like no other. 10,000 dying Michael Hogan near Hill spectators travelled from 16. Other accounts state how around the country to watch the Thomas escaped over the wall at Tipperary footballers play Dublin the Canal End of the field and in Croke Park. Little did they was fired at as he was moving know as they made their way to along the canal. Regardless of that challenge match that they the particulars, Thomas went to would become part of one of the a GAA match and in a dreadful most violent and dramatic days turn of events, never came in modern Irish history. A few home. He died in Jervis St minutes after the ball was Hospital that night with his thrown in, Crown forces entered heartbroken wife at his side. the stadium and opened fire. Thomas received a Thomas Ryan Chaos ensued, 14 people lost posthumous service medal their lives, hundreds were injured and many from the Minister of Defence in 1943. His more would suffer the consequences for death, like many of the other victims that years that followed. day, is overshadowed by that of Michael Thomas Ryan from Munroe, Glenbrien Hogan, the only player to die on Bloody worked as a Labourer for a Gas Company Sunday. Hogan’s name was memorialized by after moving to Dublin. He was married to the renaming of a stand in Croke Park and Mary Ryan (nee Boland) and they lived at 56 the GAA erected a substantial monument at Viking Road, Arbour Hill in Dublin with their his graveside in Grangemockler, Co. two daughters. Thomas joined the Irish Tipperary shortly after his death. Volunteers in 1917 and rose through the Until recent years, many of the victims lay ranks as Section Commander the A in unmarked graves amongst the millions of Company in 1st Battalion of the Dublin souls resting beneath the clay of Glasnevin Brigade of the Old IRA. Cemetery. Thomas is buried Before attending the match in the St Paul’s section of the which was to begin at cemetery with his wife Mary 2.45pm, Thomas was on and their daughters Breda duty with a party of men and Frances. from his unit and raided a Within the romantic national house at Marlborough Road myth, Thomas will forever be [North Circular Road], in known as the spectator that search of a British whispered a prayer into the Intelligence Officer. Their ear of a dying Michael Hogan. target was not there, the Perhaps at this local level, on operation was abandoned the foremost day in Wexford and Thomas proceeded to club hurling, we can reflect Croke Park. There are conflicting on Thomas from Glenbrien’s accounts over the context of tragic end as he did what Thomas’s death. Many many of us do fondly and reports detail how Thomas now, what so many of us long was shot dead while Tom, his wife Mary and daughters to do - go to a match on a kneeling and whispering an Breda and Francis Sunday afternoon.

50 CROSSABEg-BAllYMURN- 1988 INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS The last win for Crossabeg over Cushinstown and Oylegate Ballymurn GAA Club at followed by a quarter final win intermediate level came in over Askamore and 1988. Although GAA was Marshalstown in the semi- played by both sides of the final. parish since the 1880s our current club was established Then on 21st August 1988 we in 1966. We played at junior beat the Shamrocks in the final level in the early years, moving to record a first adult hurling up to intermediate in 1973. success in the parish for fifty years, to move up to the senior Crossabeg Ballymurn reached grade of Wexford hurling and the intermediate final in 1974, bring great joy to the club and only to lose out to Gorey after a parish. replay. Having lost in the 1976 semi-final we were beaten by The team that day was: Charlie St Martins in the 1977 final. Walsh, Micky Whelan, Niall Similar to recent years, we McDonald, Jimmy White, would have been listed among the favourites Micheal Doyle, John Murphy, Billy Kehoe, Jim in the following years. It wasn’t until 1987 that Roche (Captain), Johnny Murphy, John we reached the final again, losing out to Glynn McDonald, Diarmuid McDonald, Sean Barntown. However Crossabeg Ballymurn Gordon, MJ Scallan, Ciaran McDonald and bounced back the following year, with wins William Gordon.

BACK ROW: Niall McDonald, Ciaran McDonald, John Murphy, Jim Roche, John McDonald, Micky Whelan, Jimmy White, Paul Cullen. FRONT: Diarmuid McDonald, Billy Kehoe, M.J. Scallan, Charlie Walsh, Johnny Murphy, Sean Gordon, William Gordon, Michael Doyle.

51 CROSSABEg-BAllYMURN CAPTAIN’S MESSAgE It is with great honour and It is important to mention all privilege that I captain this the great work that is being Crossabeg/Ballymurn done in the underage of the Hurling Team into today’s club, huge time and effort Intermediate Final. I would goes into coaching and like to thank the youth development management team for giving programmes which have me the opportunity to lead been a vital part of the this team on such an success of the club. I am important occasion. delighted to see all the young players in our club Huge thanks must go to all back in the training field and those who have helped this playing matches the last few team get to where we are months as the lockdown today, including all past restrictions have eased. The players, management teams GAA is the heart of the and committee members. In parishes and brings great particular I would like to joy and hope to both young thank this year’s and old. management team of Michael Cummins, D I would like to wish Buffers McDonald, Jimmy White, Alley GAA Club and all Kevin Kennedy & John Cummins and our match officials the very best of luck in today’s physio Darren Browne. I would like to thank game, no doubt it will be an entertaining the current Chairman Jerry Bernard and spectacle. committee members who have been brilliant in accommodating the team in every way I would like to give Wexford Gaa a special possible especially in these uncertain times mention, they have been brilliant in organising where they have put the proper protocol in such an exciting and well formatted hurling place in line with government guidelines. This championship. I must definitely speak for a lot most definitely has not been an easy job. of people when I say that playing championship games nearly every weekend The continued support of our sponsor Rapid has brought huge energy and enthusiasm back Locksmiths must also be recognised, thanks to the Wexford Gaa community. for your support this year and for the past number of years it has been greatly I especially want to mention my fellow panel appreciated. of players. A reward for all your hard-work, dedication and commitment this year would be To all our supporters and family members, we well deserved. We have been lucky enough to appreciate your support throughout the years be part of a memorable journey in what will and encouraging us to represent our club. This definitely be a memorable year, let’s hope we year we appreciate supporters who have been can make today another historic day for the able to attend matches and those who have club. streamed games from home, crowds may be smaller at games but we always know the Paudie Foley huge support that we have in our parishes. Captain Crossabeg-Ballymurn

52 Crossabeg-Ballymurn - Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Championship Finalists 2020

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Niall Murphy, David Murpny (Vice Captain), Declan Byrne, Billy Roche, Paudie Foley (Captain), Noel Scallan, Eoghan Kehoe, Oisín Foley, David Kehoe, James White, Paddy Devereux, Conor Devereux, Mark Campbell, Mark Byrne, Shane O'Rourke, Seamus Carroll and Joe Kelly. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Alan Byrne, Jack Fortune, Mark O'Connor, Martin Redmond, Bill Eviston, Cathal Byrne, Tony Murphy, Andrew Butler, Paul Roche, Ronan Devereux and Matthew Sludds. CROSSABEG- ROGHNÓIRÍ management BALLYMURN Diarmuid mcDonald michael Cummins INTERMEDIATE HURLNG Jimmy White, Kevin Kennedy

NOEL SCALLAN maor Foirne: eoin mcDonald 1 team Admin/Stats: John Cummins physio: Darren Browne

2 DECLAN BYRNE 3 DAVID KEHOE 4 MARTIN REDMOND

5 CONOR DEVEREUX 6 PAUDIE FOLEY 7 PADDY DEVEREUX

8 SEAMUS CARROLL 9 RONAN DEVEREUX

10 SHANE O’ROURKE 11 OISIN FOLEY 12 BILL EVISTON

13 MARK BYRNE 14 TONY MURPHY 15 NIALL MURPHY

FIR IONAD

16 CAtHAL ByrNe 21 eoGHAN KeHoe exteNDeD pANeL: 17 DAviD murpHy 22 BiLLy roCHe 25 ANDreW ButLer 18 JACK FortuNe 23 mArK o'CoNNor 26 JAmeS WHite 19 ALAN ByrNe 24 Joe KeLLy 27 mArK CAmpBeLL 20 mAtt SLuDDS 28 pAuL roCHe

54 BUFFERS ALLEY ROGHNÓIRÍ INTERMEDIATE HURLNG manager: Colm morris Selectors: pat Leacy, Johnny Dempsey, Fintan Farrell physio: mary Alice murphy maor Camáin: David Hearne, OLIVER O’LEARY matty Foley 1 Covid officer: Anthony Kelly

2 CONOR KENNY 3 CIARÁN KENNY 4 KEVIN ROCHE

5 CIARÁN MURPHY 6 SEÁN MURPHY 7 JOHN FARRELL

8 PAT KENNY 9 ROSS DONOHOE

10 ROBERT O’LEARY 11 BOBBY KENNY 12 JOHN LEE MEYLER

13 LIAM WALSH 14 ANDREW KENNY (C) 15 PAUL O’LEARY

FIR IONAD

16. DArreN o'BrieN 21. oWeN DempSey 17. DAviD meLeADy 22. SHANe GrANNeLL 18. CoLm ÓG DorAN 23. roBert DoNNeLLy 19. párAiC roCHe 24. pAuDi reiDy 20. WiLLie DorAN

55 Buffers Alley - Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Championship Finalists 2020

BACK L TO R: Ciarán Kenny, John Farrell, Oliver O’Leary, Robert O’Leary, Pat Kenny, Conor Kenny, Bobby Kenny, Willie Doran, Paul O’Leary, Shane Grannell, Rob Donnelly, Paudi Reidy. FRONT L TO R: Colm Óg Doran, Darren O’Brien, Seán Murphy, Andrew Kenny (Capt.), Ross Donohoe, Ciarán Murphy, Liam Walsh, Dave Meleady, Owen Dempsey, Páraic Roche, Kevin Roche, John Lee Meyler. MESSAGE FROM BUFFERS ALLEY GAA CLUB

As secretary of Buffers Alley GAA Club, I would like to welcome our team and supporters to Chadwicks Wexford Park this evening for the Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Final. With Covid-19 restrictions, not all of our loyal supporters can be here in person this evening but we know they are watching on the Wexford GAA livestream and will hurl every ball with the lads on the field, for what we hope will be a pulsating hour of hurling as we do battle with Crossabeg- Ballymurn for the Jim Morrissey Memorial Perpetual Trophy.

Much work has been done by this group of players and their management of Colm Morris, Fintan Farrell, Johnny Dempsey and Pat Lacey. I would like to thank them all sincerely for their commitment and focus since the ‘return to play protocols’ were introduced in late June. A special mention here also to Physio, Mary Alice Murphy who is a valuable addition to the backroom team. A club is more than just its flagship team and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our underage coaches and mentors, who would like to remember here. Every Buffers are busy producing and nurturing talent to Alley match for as long as we can remember step into adult grades and help the club grow was attended by Ann Kenny who complete into the future. with her stopwatch and notebook recorded the time and the scores with absolute I also acknowledge the contribution of my precision. Ann recently passed away and will fellow club officers and club volunteers, who be sadly missed in Buffers Alley and beyond have worked hard this year to enhance and by her family and friends. Ar Dheis Dé go upgrade the facilities at Buffers Alley GAA raibh a h-ainm dílís. Club. We are a proud club with a proud tradition where members are working Finally, I would like to recognise the support tirelessly to ensure all aspects of our club are of our many sponsors but especially Sean effectively and efficiently run in order to build Doyle of the Upton Court Hotel and Holiday solid foundations into the future. I would like Cottages in Kilmuckridge who is the main to thank the members and the wider sponsor of Buffers Alley GAA Club. community who continue to support our fundraising ventures as we work to provide Wishing both teams and officials the best of facilities for all our players and their families. luck today in Chadwicks Wexford Park. I mentioned earlier our great band of supporters and there’s one in particular I Micheál Ó Sionóid (Runaí)

57 BUFFERS ALLEY SADDENED TO HEAR OF GER SWEENEY’S PASSING

Ger Sweeney is one of the few people In the ‘87 semi-final Ger answered an that could put a smile on people’s early brace of Jimmy Holohan side- faces at the mere mention of his line points with two massive cuts of name. He was a man that would light his own by half time. This emphasised up a room with a laugh and his Ger’s outstanding ability as he most company was treasured by anyone likely wouldn’t have over practiced the that was fortunate enough to cross art prior to the game. paths with him over his lifetime. Ger represented the purple and gold Sadly, yesterday Friday 24th April the at all levels making his debut in the smiles turned to tears as we were Leinster minor final of 1977 alongside forced to say goodbye to a clubman, a club men Seamus O’Leary and the friend and a hurling legend. late Barry Murphy. He was very proud Ger was one of the mostly naturally of his 1979 Leinster u21 medal where talented sportsmen that ever wore a he again sat proudly alongside Club green and gold jersey turning his attentions men Pat Kenny, Seamus and the late Barry. briefly to soccer, rugby and Gaelic football with Incidentally, Ger lost four finals in his senior seamless aplomb. It will be for the ancient game debut season way back in 1977 with losses however that he will be best remembered as one recorded in the county senior hurling final, of the best midfielders of his generation, playing county u21 hurling and football finals and at senior level with the Alley from 1977 to 1989. Leinster minor final. How fitting then that he Ger secured 5 Wexford championship medals, 2 finished his senior career in that iconic picture Leinster Club and an All-Ireland club in what looking down off the podium onto the hallowed proved to be a most memorable period of the Croke park sod on that unforgettable Patrick’s parish’s history. day in 1989. When thinking of Ger the mind’s eye Ger never travelled to games without three of immediately recalls the athletic tanned frame his closest friends Pat Leacy, Seán Whelan and with an incredible hurling ability spraying points the late Barry Murphy and once you saw these from every part of the field. His free taking was men come through the gate you knew the Alley without equal and a huge weapon in the Alley’s were ready for battle. There certainly is an armoury at the time. One of his finest hours was unwritten book about the after-match fun that his shooting derailment of a great Rathnure would be created around this group with the team in the ‘83 semi-finals along with his final affable Ger’s laughter a memory that will never performance that year although faced by no less fade. Suffice it to say he was never afraid to be an adversary as his good friend George himself and set many fashion trends being the O’Connor. first man to wear a white suit to official club Fr. Jim Butler in his condolences referred to functions. the fact that Ger often broke his heart in the Ger and the Sweeney family, his brother Mick build up to important matches in relation to and late parents Mick and Joan massively training and this was understandable given Ger’s contributed to the Buffers Alley Club over the often voiced belief was “that you’d get yourself years and for that we will be eternally grateful. right in week”, (which he very often did). This He will be remembered as a gentle and kind theory was contrary to modern thoughts on person who effortlessly conquered the skills of training but suffice it to say Ger never was never the most wonderful game. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh found wanting when he crossed the white line. a anam dílis.

58 BILL MURPHY RIP - REMEMBERED BY ALL IN BUFFERS ALLEY

One of the most gifted and stylish two Co. Senior hurling medals in hurlers to come on the scene in the 1968 and 1970 and an Intermediate early 60s and 70s was Bill in 1965. He also had a love of Murphy. This craftsman had football and was a regular half- speed, skill, ball control and back on the team. His finest above all super vision. He was hour in the Buffers Alley a natural performer on the colours was in the 1968 Co. hurling field and many of his Senior Final and that was markers found themselves remembered when the team chasing shadows. gathered in Buffers Alley in Bill was lithe, clever, calm and December 2018 to mark their 50th cool and was able to find the open Anniversary victory. Bill was also spaces. His breathtaking scores from involved with the county team in the all angles and all distances were hallmarks mid to late sixties but had to take a step back of a master class player. Every time he gained following the death of his wife. possession he bore down on his opponent’s Bill was awarded a much-earned Seana goal like a whirlwind and every move he made Ghael Award a few years ago and his profile spelt danger. He was a supreme sportsman piece cited John Doyle RIP (Tipperary) and and never resorted to any foul play. Bobby Rackard RIP (Wexford) as the two hurlers His contribution to his beloved Buffers Alley as the best he saw in Ireland while in Wexford was immense and he gained respect and his choice of the best three hurlers in Wexford admiration from friends and foe alike. Born in went to Bobby Rackard RIP and Ned Wheeler. 1938. his boyhood hero was Nickey Rackard, When finished his own hurling days Bill RIP. His brother Jim was also an outstanding continued to support Buffers Alley, and in hurler with Buffers Alley. particular his only son Barry who sadly passed Bill first played Junior hurling with Buffers away just nine months earlier. Ar Dheis Dé go Alley in 1955 and last played in 1973. He won raibh a anam dílis.

The Management Team: Johnny Dempsey, Fintan Farrell, Colm Morris, Pat Lacey.

59 A FEW WORDS FROM OUR CAPTAIN ANDREW KENNY....

I’m delighted to have the honour of leading this group of Buffers Alley men to the Intermediate Co. Final of 2020. When we got together at the start of the year, we hadn’t heard of Corona Virus and were completely oblivious to the impact it was going to have on a global scale.

Much has happened since the mid-March suspension of GAA activities but the one focus we never lost sight of was to be ready if and when games resumed. Of course the first priority was staying safe and preventing the spread of the virus which I think all GAA clubs were and still are very cognisant of.

Every player on our panel bought in to the idea of a personalized training plan and did their bit to be ready when the call to action came. Sheds were cleaned out to make home gyms, bicycles were dusted off and the inner ’Ronnie Delaney’ was channelled in some panel members as they hit the roads to prepare for a possible We anticipate a mighty contest with our championship. When word came through opponents, Crossabeg-Ballymurn who I’m in June that training would resume, the sure have ambitions of their own for ’bit’ was well and truly between the today’s final. I hope that we have a fine ‘players’ teeth’ and we set ourselves the sporting game in the battle to win the target of reaching the County Final. Courtyard Ferns Intermediate Hurling Championship and I would like to thank all There are few greater honours on the my team mates and their families for their hurling field that leading out friends and efforts so far in our quest for Intermediate neighbours on county final day – even if honours in 2020. many of our supporters are watching on Wexford GAA TV instead of being here, we I would also like to thank our backroom know they are well and truly behind us and team under the leadership of our we thank them sincerely for their good manager, Colm Morris. May the best wishes for today’s final. team win!

60 THE LOWDOWN ON OUR LOCKDOWN....

While closing the gates on March bosses, they responded to the 25th was one of the most difficult instructions and left their foreman things to do, opening them again on scratching his head as to how June 29th with a spectacular array farmers and builders could come up of enhancements was a proud with the answer to almost every moment for all the volunteers who problem by sourcing something from gave selflessly of their time to the back of their jeeps. In June, when improve the facilities at our Club Walking Tracks were allowed to re- Grounds. open, it was with great pleasure that A Walking Track around the By Cate Donohoe we opened our gates to provide a perimeter of our three pitches was valuable amenity to our club planned for 2020 – we just didn’t know that members and the local community. enhancing our facilities would be the main Not only had we a walking track to unveil, focus in May and June rather than Hurling. In but we were able to put a coat of paint on the absence of training nights, league games everything else in the place! Mary Foley and get-togethers in the Clubhouse, the constantly had a paint brush in her hand and selfless volunteers arrived day after day and whenever she saw anyone idle, she furnished night after night on tractors and loaders with them with one of her spare brushes and set an array of useful equipment to transform the them to work. Our Groundsman Eamonn Club Grounds. Colm Hearne took on the Fortune mowed away to his heart’s content mantle of Site Foreman and used his and when the weather became very hot and considerable skills to whip the volunteers into the rain stayed away, he organised those shape. Even though some of them were more ‘aforementioned farmers’ to do what they used to milking cows and being their own know best – making grass grow!

61 When the players set foot on the pitches again Draw survived the turmoil too with local in late June, the despair of the March Monamolin shopkeeper Tom Lawless hosting announcement was replaced by a sense of the Draw in a new, innovative and socially hope for a 2020 Championship. New draws distanced way. The whole club took to their were made and our attention turned to the hearts our ‘Trip to Croker’ Fundraiser for action on the training field. The volunteering Charity where the local branch of St Vincent thankfully has continued and most evenings de Paul and the mental health charity Aware in the pitch while training takes place, you can both benefitted to the tune of just over €4000 still see the volunteers with their array of each. tools and building supplies, putting the Thank you to all club members who helped finishing touches to jobs that need just in so many different ways during the past six another nail or a few screws. months and we look forward to continuing We haven’t told you about our new stand or with our development work for the benefit of our car parking spaces yet but come visit us all members and our local community. and see for yourself what community spirit can do and what selfless volunteers working for their club can achieve. It truly is‘a beauty to behold……’ Besides the facelift for the Club Grounds, club members took on the role of ensuring that vulnerable and cocooning members of the community were looked after, with Hammel’s Centra in Kilmuckridge co-ordinating the response in the area. Club recruits stepped in to help with Meals on Wheels and have continued to do so throughout the summer months. Our Monthly Club

62 50TH ANNIVERSARY - BUFFERS ALLEY SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONS

50th Anniversary - Buffers Alley Senior Hurling Champions v The Shamrocks 1970. BACK: L TO R: Bill Murphy RIP, Michael Kinsella, Michael Jordan, Larry Harney, Paddy Kavanagh, Henry Butler, Tony Doran. FRONT: L TO R: Mick Butler, Colm Doran, Joe Doran, Pierie Butler (Capt.), John Doyle, Fr. Martin Casey, Bill Doran, Jack Hall.

Brothers in Arms with the Alley today...... GAA Clubs have a long history of sending out brothers to proudly represent their parish on the hurling field. Buffers Alley continue the tradition with 6 set of brothers in the 24-man panel for today’s game: The Kenny brothers, Ciarán & Andrew are cousins of the other set of Kenny brothers Bobby and Pat and another cousin Conor is also a squad member. The Murphy brothers Seán & Ciarán, the Roches Kevin and Paráic, the O’Learys Paul & Rob and the Dorans Willie & Colm Óg complete the brotherhood! We’ll throw in a set of first cousins, Shane Grannell & Liam Walsh to keep the family connections strong.

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Best of luck to all teams in this year’s Championships

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65 66 CÚL CAMP 2020

69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 087 171 2556

Alan Monahan [email protected]

[email protected]

77 Senior Hurling Championship Roll of Honour 1889-2019

RATHNURE (20): 1948, 1950, 1955, 1961, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977,1979, 1980, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2006. OULART-THE BALLAGH (13): 1994, 1995, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016. BUFFERS ALLEY (12): 1968, 1970, 1975, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1988,1989, 1991, 1992. ADAMSTOWN (11): 1926, 1927, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1941,1942. ST. AIDAN'S, ENNISCORTHY (9): 1946, 1947, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959. FAYTHE HARRIERS (5): 1960, 1962, 1965, 1981, 2001. ST. MARTINS (3): 1999, 2008, 2017, 2019 BLACKWATER (3): 1889, 1890, 1898. NEW ROSS UNITED (3): 1943, 1944, 1945. CLOUGHBAWN (3): 1949, 1951, 1993. CASTLEBRIDGE (2): 1904, 1919. BALLYMURRIN (2): 1910, 1911. GLENBRIEN (2): 1915, 1916. ST. ANNE'S (2): 1924, 2000. SALLY BEACHERS (2): 1928, 1930. ST. FINTAN'S (2): 1929, 1934. SHAMROCKS (2): 1964, 1969. ONE EACH: Slaney Harriers (1903); Rathgarogue (1905); Ross-Rathgarogue (1912); New Ross (1913); Red Rapparees (1914); Crossabeg (1918); O'Hanrahan's, New Ross (1939); Oylegate-Glenbrien (1963); Geraldine O'Hanrahans (1966); Rapparees (1978); Shelmaliers (2014); Naomh Éanna (2018).

There was no competition from 1891 to 1897, from 1899 to 1902, from 1906 to 1909, in 1917, from 1920 to 1923, in 1925 and in 1938.

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