Rathnure were crowned Wexford Junior B Hurling champions after defeating St Annes in the final last Saturday…
In the final, which was a replay after the two sides could not be seperated initially, Rathnure defeated the Annes on a scoreline of 1-19 to 2-15 after extra-time.
Just like with the first game, the sides couldn’t be seperated at the end of normal time, with the sides level at 1-15 to 2-12, so extra-time ensued. Emerging as one-point winners in a tighty fought-out contest, Rathnure needed their main players to perform.
One player who performed exceptionally for Rathnure was their centre-back, the former Wexford winning captain of 2004, John O’Connor.
O’Connor’s points from placed balls were crucial; none more so than when he stepped to split the posts in the last play of the game, ensuring extra-time was played.
Fifteen years after walking up the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect the Bob O’Keeffe Cup, O’Connor scored nine points (6 frees and 3 65’s).
Alongside O’Connor on the team was now 49-year-old Dave Guiney, who played at corner back for the whole game, including all of extra-time.
Nigel Higgins, who also acted as Wexford captain for some games throughout the 06/07 campaign, captained Rathnure to their recent Junior B victory, playing at wing-forward and scoring three points from play.
Class is permanent.
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