Wexford Masters hurling team defeat Cork to make it three from three

The Wexford Masters hurling team enjoyed another win on Saturday afternoon…

For team members selected, one rule is that players must be over 40-years of age, which in turn sees a lot of legends reeling back the years and playing the game.

In their two previous games in the national competition, Wexford enjoyed two wins. The first was a comprehensive win over Kildare, while the second came against Limerick two weeks ago at Kilmalcolm GAA club in Limerick.

On Saturday afternoon, Middleton GAA Club in Cork hosted the Cork Masters versus the Wexford Masters with Limerick referee Joe Mulcahy acting as the man in the middle.

The Wexford Masters hurling team continued their winning ways, defeating the Cork Masters hurling team in the process.

Wexford emerged victorious, with the score-board reading 3-10 to 0-13 in favour of the Model County. Wexford were helped by the three early goals, which all came in the first half and put them in the driving seat for the rest of the encounter. Two quick first half goals came from Rathnure clubman, Nigel Higgins, as he rolled back the years.

Injuries to Niall O’Loughlin and former Naomh Eanna hurler Justin Kenny in the first half forced Wexford to regroup at half time with a plan to shut down Cork’s midfield.

The referee was generous with the whistle with Cork scoring 10 of their 13 points from places balls. Nonetheless, the game was tough but fair, with no side giving an inch.

In the second half, Wexford stepped up around midfield, and really left scores out there.

Wexford took control in the last quarter and looked to be heading for home going 3 points clear. However, a late Cork surge saw a goal mouth scramble snuffed out by Wexford. From there, Wexford saw out the game stretching their lead to 6 points.

Strong defensive displays from across a settled full backline from the last 3 games from Brendan O’Leary, Declan Browne and lastly, Brendan Mulligan – who was Man of the Match – shut down any goal threat from Cork’s main target man.

The half back line and midfield provided the platform to maintain a winning streak for the Model County.

Some notable performances also came from the Cloughbawn contingent as Alan Carton battled hard throughout winning a huge amount of dirty ball. Likewise, MJ Furlong at wing forward gave a great display, with Noel Carton in goals keeping a clean sheet. Alongside that, Wexford’s inside forward line pair of Nigel Higgins and Cork resident – former Wexford hurler, Eoin Quigley, proved a constant threat for the Cork full-back line.

The team is managed by Rathnure clubman Dave Guiney, while Gorey’s David “Bomber” Kennedy and Padge “Skinner” Walsh of the Rapparees act as the team selectors.

It was interesting to note that player/manager, Dave Guiney, made his second appearance for the Masters hurling team in this clash. He came on for the last 20 minutes, hurling at wing-back at the youthful age of 54 and rolling back the years with important interceptions.

A moment’s silence was held prior to the game as a mark of respect for Donal Mahon, the father of Masters player and Rapparees hurler – Tomas ‘Mossie’ Mahon – who passed away during the week with his funeral taking place on Saturday.

The competition is run on a League basis, with the top two teams placed into a Cup final and with the third and fourth placed teams placed into a Shield final.

The teams included in this year’s Masters Hurling Competition are: Wexford, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Tipperary, and Kildare.

Wexford’s next clash in the Master’s competition will be against Galway. This will be a home clash for the Yellowbellies, with fixture details still to be finalised.

Wexford’s three opening wins has placed them into the final four, and they will hope to push on in their final two group games to guarantee a place in the Cup final, which will see the two top compete for All-Ireland silverware. A win against Galway in their next clash will see them qualify for the Cup final.

Wexford Masters team vs Cork:

1- Alan Carton

2- Brendan O’Leary

3- Brendan Mulligan

4-Declan Browne

5-Brendan Breen

6- John O’Connor

7- Niall O’Loughlin

8-Justin Kenny

9-Larry Morrissey

10-Rory Jacob

11-Alan Carton

12-MJ Furlong

13-Eoin Quigley

14-Nigel Higgins

15-Joey Lawlor

Subs:

Damien Grannels

Paul Carley

Sean O’Neill

Dave Guiney

For those interested in reading more about the Wexford Master’s hurling team, you can check out our previous article with manager, Dave Guiney, who discussed his role and how the team came to be. The previous Wexford teams which played against Kildare and against Limerick can be found on Wexford Weekly too.

The Wexford Masters hurling team are also looking for a sponsor to come on board to help kit them out for their remaining matches. They require shorts and socks. Any business willing to help should reach out to Dave Guiney (087-236-2685).