While the Wexford Senior hurlers failed to obtain any silverware in 2017, their campaign can still be considered a success.
Reaching a Leinster final for the first time since 2008, gaining promotion to the top-tier of the National Hurling League and beating a Kilkenny twice – if any Wexford supporter was to learn that was their county’s faith before the season started last year, they would have bitten your hand off.
After overcoming an eager Kilkenny side in Wexford Park, a Leinster final place beckoned against eventual All-Ireland champions, Galway. Sadly for the 50,000+ strong travelling Wexford supporters, they failed to witness their team lift the Bob O’Keeffe trophy but the progress their team made was evidential.
One year passed, but another follows and Davy Fitzgerald in his second year at the helm will be hoping that the Model County’s progress continues.
And although Wexford enjoyed a ‘successful’ year last year in the majority of supporter’s eyes, the bookmakers still have them as complete outsiders to lift the trophy.
They’re only ahead of Offaly (100/1), while Dublin (11/2), Kilkenny (11/4) and Galway (8/11) are greater fancied by Irish bookmaker, PaddyPower.
Arguably, this Wexford side is better than Dublin judging by last year’s performances, while their ability to overcome Kilkenny twice highlighted that their first victory wasn’t just a fluke and that they’re well able to compete at a high-level.
In what will potentially be Davy Fitzgerald’s last season with the Yellowbellies, one thing is for sure – the Clare native will get the best out of his team and this upcoming team is sure to frighten anyone that stands in their way of longed glory.
After last year’s performances, it’s a bet surely worth a cheeky tenner…
______
Wexford Weekly
Please use the form below to submit an article:
