Friday evening, 05 May, will mark the beginning of the Wexford Senior hurling championship for 2017 and certainly, we are in for some cracking battles.
05 May 2017
Cloughbawn v Rathnure (Bellefield, 19:00)
Prediction: Rathnure
Why: These are teams that have a serious history and rivalry playing against each other, but with a rejuvenated Jack Guiney Rathnure will be a force to be reckoned with. Rathnure attained the Roinn 1 u21 crown last year, thus meaning that a lot of these young players will be pushing onto the panel with a year of success behind them.
Oulart The Ballagh v St Martins (Bellefield, 20:30)
Prediction: Oulart The Ballagh
Why: If anyone is going to pose a serious challenge to Oulart this year, it’s going to be St.Martins. Their young, vibrant squad is full of enthusiasm and gifted hurlers, but with Oulart’s ability to win close games and their continuous success at Senior level, they are quite clearly the team to beat once again.
06 May 2017
Rapparees v Faythe Harriers (Wexford Park, 17:15)
Prediction: Rapparees
Why: On any given day, both of these teams possess the ability to light up and take the game by storm. In the battle of the towns, we are going for the Enniscorthy town side to win marginally against the Harriers. Notably, the Butters uncompromisingly won the Relegation final last year and overall are lucky to be still in the top-tier of Wexford hurling.
Glynn Barntown v Buffers Alley (Wexford Park, 19:00)
Prediction: Glynn Barntown
Why: Certainly, Glynn-Barntown have a terrific record against the Alley of late. Importantly, Glynn have been consistently getting to the semi-final of the Wexford championship over the past number of years- and they’ll be hoping that this year is finally their year. They were the last team to beat reigning title holders, Oulart, and they have an absolutely brilliant spine within their team.
07 May
Ferns St Aidans v Naomh Eanna (Wexford Park, 14:00)
Prediction: Gorey
Why: Even though Gorey are newcomers to the Senior hurling championship, their performances last year were a testament to themselves and proved to many why they belong in the division. They put it up to Oulart in the quarter-final and overcame some top sides along the way. With Naomh Eanna possessing great attacking talent with the likes of Conor McDonald, the Ferns defence may find it increasingly difficult to cope.
Oylegate Glenbrien v Shelmaliers (Wexford Park, 15:45)
Prediction: Oylegate
Why: Since 2014, the Shelmaliers have failed to meet the heights they reached after capturing the title, and are arguably still in the honeymoon period. With Oylegate coming into the championship as debutants, they’ll have a hunger and desire to win like no other.
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