Rumours arose last week that Jack Guiney was no longer part of the Wexford Senior hurling panel, and those rumours were confirmed by Wexford selector Seoirse Bulfin on Thursday at the launch of the Leinster Hurling Championship.
Now, Wexford Senior Hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has opened up about the matter for the first time since Guiney’s departure, insisting that it’s all due to the Rathnure club-man’s lack of fitness.
Speaking to Brendan Furlong of the Wexford People, Fitzgerald said:
“Jack is not part of the panel. He has been four months out of serious training, the knee being slow responding to treatment, but it leaves him months behind the fitness levels of other players and what’s required for inter-county hurling.”
“He has been unable to train for months, so we decided to let him back to his club to have some game time with the hope he will continue treatment for his knee problem and return to full fitness.”
As a result of the changes to this year’s Leinster Hurling Championship, the Wexford Senior hurlers will be playing one game per-week for four weeks – and Fitzgerald insists that there’s no place on the panel for a player unable to produce 100%.
“We have four championship games in the space of 21 days. Being honest with you a player carrying a long-term injury and being unable to train would have no place in such a fixtures schedule.”
Last week, there were various rumours in relation to the reason behind Guiney’s departure, but Fitzgerald rubbishes any claims of a fall-out between the pair.
“There is no problem with the management. I have spoken with Jack this morning.”
“We spoke of his injury and what’s needed, but even after the club championship game he did not feel right. He’s now back with the club, but that’s not to say he won’t be back with us.”
“Time will tell.”
Guiney scored 1-05 (from placed balls) and starred in the centre-back position for Rathnure against Naomh Eanna in the opening round of the club championship.
