Three games. 14 days. Two road trips. One visiting American squad stacked with NFL talent. The Wexford Eagles have had a baptism of fire to kick off their 2025 season, but through the bruises and battles, one thing is clear: this team has heart.
It all began on St. Patrick’s Weekend with The Paddy’s vs Patty’s Day Charity Bowl, as the Eagles hosted a combined squad from the Philadelphia Blueflame and NYC Boldest. With former NFL talent, including a 4th-round Washington Commanders draft pick, lining up for the visitors, the Eagles faced a serious test of their mettle. The 30-0 scoreline in favour of the Americans wasn’t flattering, but the day was about more than numbers. From the electric atmosphere in Gorey Town Park to the BBQ, live music, and family fun, it was a celebration of American football in Ireland, and all to the tune of a wonderful $10,000 donation to the Irish Cancer Society by the Philadelphia Blueflame. And, to top it all off, the craic was ninety.
Just a week later, the Eagles hit the road for their competitive opener against the Westmeath Minotaurs. Fresh from the Shamrock Bowl Conference and heavily favoured to bounce straight back up, Westmeath were expected to dominate. Wexford, with a reduced travelling squad, came out swinging. Running back Terry Carey opened the scoring with a bulldozing run through traffic, setting the tone. Moments later, quarterback Doran Traylor kept the ball himself and scrambled into the end zone for a second score. A sharp two-point conversion to wide receiver Trevor Smith put the Eagles up 14-0 and had the Minotaurs rattled.
Westmeath regrouped and battled back to take a 28-14 lead, but the Eagles refused to lie down. Traylor connected with Luke Fitzpatrick on a pinpoint touchdown pass in the closing minutes to bring the final score to 28-20. It may have been a loss on paper, but the performance sent a strong message. The Eagles can compete with anyone in the league.
Then came the third game in two relentless weeks, this time away to the red-hot Louth Mavericks in Armagh. Considered by many the favourites for promotion, the Mavericks brought elite speed, precision, and depth. Wexford were again hampered by injuries and low numbers, and things got tougher as the game wore on. The explosive outside linebacker Francesco Lambiase exited the game with an elbow injury after a fierce collision, while Conor Hogan, playing both offensive line and inside linebacker, was forced to withdraw before halftime with a serious knee injury, inflicted during a kick return.
The Eagles fought hard but couldn’t keep pace, falling 44-6 on a scorching day. Their sole highlight came courtesy of Luke Fitzpatrick, who read the Mavericks’ star quarterback perfectly and returned an interception for a pick-six. Even in defeat, moments of individual brilliance continue to shine through.
What’s even more remarkable is the physical toll shouldered by the team’s core leaders. This squad has been forged in adversity, with several players pulling ironman duty, playing nearly every snap on offence, defence, and special teams. Among them: captains Trevor Smith and Paddy Bissett, Terry Carey, Anto Byrne, Henry Foxton, Luke Fitzpatrick and Conor Hogan. Their commitment to the jersey has been nothing short of heroic.
Wexford now sits at 0-2 (0 wins and 2 losses), but this squad is far from finished. This Sunday (13th April) sees the long-awaited home opener against the Cill Dara Crusaders, who come into the game 2-1 but reeling from a bruising defeat to the same Minotaurs side Wexford pushed to the brink.
Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Head Coach McCooey offered a clear message heading into the clash:
“No one’s questioning our heart. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the best teams in the league. Now it’s about turning belief into wins, and it starts at home.”
The Gorey crowd brought the energy on St. Patrick’s Weekend, and the Eagles will need that same passion in the stands this Sunday. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of gridiron or new to the sport here in Wexford, your support makes a difference.
And if you’re curious about the game, eager to play, or simply want to get involved behind the scenes, the Wexford Eagles welcome new players, volunteers, and supporters with open arms. There’s a role for everyone in the Eagles family.
If there’s ever been a time to stand behind this team, it’s now. Don your black and yellow and make your voice heard in Gorey Town Park this Sunday, 13th April. KO is slated for 2pm. Let’s turn it into a fortress. Let’s remind the Crusaders what Wexford football is all about.
The bodies are bruised. The road’s been rough. But the belief is unshaken. The season is still wide open, and the best of this new and relentless Wexford Eagles team is still to come.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.