Gorey Rangers crowned Wexford premier division champs for first time in club’s history

A play-off fixture between two of Wexford’s best sides was the solution to crown the 2023 Wexford Premier Division League winner…

In front of a large attendance on Thursday evening at Ferrycarrig Park, Gorey Rangers took on North End and it was Gorey Rangers who brought back the silverware.

Despite their excellent season, a season where they narrowly lost out in the FAI Junior Cup final, Gorey Rangers FC left it to the last game of the season to capture silverware.

It was fitting that Wexford’s North End would stand in their way; serial winners in their own right over the years, it would not be an easy task to overcome the Wexford town side managed by John Godkin on his last day in charge.

But it was a dream start for Gorey Rangers who dominated the opening of the game and were rewarded when they took the lead in the first half after just sixteen minutes. Gorey’s Paul Brennan, who was a menace down the left wing, opened the scoring, calmly slotting the ball past the North End goalkeeper, Jason Maguire, after an excellent through ball by Cormac Breslin.

It was the same partnership again that teamed up for Gorey’s second goal after 33 minutes. This time, Breslin’s shot found its way to the onrushing Brennan at the back post who tapped it into the North End net.

North End were dealt a significant blow just moments before the half-time whistle after their centre-back, Gary Delaney, was given a straight red. Delaney, identified as one of the best centre-backs in Wexford, took down Gorey’s Sean Murphy after Murphy dribbled past four opponents. It was a huge turning point in the game, and already 2-0 up, Gorey already hand one hand on the cup.

But in typical North End fashion, they didn’t die down. Instead, they continued with their game plan and trusted their ability. They were given a lifeline in the second half (73rd minute) after a long high ball was sent into the Gorey box and Rangers failed to clear it. Paul ‘Spot’ Murphy tapped the ball into the net to make it 2-1.

Gorey Rangers didn’t panic though.

Just as was the case all season, Rangers’ manager Willie Peare trusted his panel and made some effective substitutes. One effective sub was Adam Territ. Not on the pitch five minutes, Adam Territ responded to the North End goal by getting one of his own. From a Gorey Rangers perspective, it was the perfect response.

Gorey Rangers maintained their lead for the remainder of the game and it ended 3-1. Club stalwart, Steven Kinsella, lifted the trophy for the North Wexford side. It was the first time in Gorey Rangers’ club history that they won the Wexford Premier Division.

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