The Leinster Senior hurling championship is officially back for 2025…
Here, we’ll go through all you need to know about Wexford’s opening game.
Who are Wexford playing?
Wexford will be playing Antrim in Round 1. It’s noteworthy that Antrim are now under the stewardship of former Wexford hurling manager, Davy Fitzgerald.
Where?
It’s a home clash. It’s in Wexford Park.
What date / time?
It will take place on Saturday April 19th at 2pm.
What’s the Wexford team?
There is no room for Shane Reck on the panel, as he is still recovering from an injury. However, it’s great to see Liam Ryan named on the panel for this clash, which could see him make his first appearance of the 2025 campaign. Cian Molloy has be n named at wing back, while Richie Lawlor has moved to midfield.
What’s the Antrim team?
Antrim manager, Davy Fitzgerald, has not named his team yet.
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets for this clash can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. They can also be purchased at the usual Supervalu/Centra outlets.
Is the game being shown on tv? Is it streamed?
No, this game will not be shown on RTE or TG4. Likewise, this Wexford-Antrim game will not be shown on the new GAA platform, GAA+.
Have Wexford many injuries?
At the time of writing, we have almost a full-compliment of players to choose from which is excellent news for Keith Rossiter. The only major player who will be unavailable for this clash, and for some of the next clashes in the Leinster Senior hurling championship, will be Naomh Eanna’s Conor McDonald. Askamore’s James Byrne is also unlikely to feature as he’s recovering from a hamstring injury. Other than that, Wexford have almost a full-compliment, with the likes of Liam Ryan returning to the fold – and the likes of Cian Byrne, Lee Chin, Rory O’Connor all available too.
Is this game important?
Yes! This is the Leinster Senior hurling championship we’re talking about. All the other games Wexford played this year mean nothing now. It’s a brand-new championship. The championship is what all teams aim for! Despite being relegated in the League, spirits are relatively high in Wexford. A win against Antrim is a must. Last year, Wexford lost out to Antrim in Corrigan Park. This is a game that Antrim would have pinpointed as one that they can win.
In previous years, Wexford have dropped points against teams that they shouldn’t have such as Antrim and Dublin last year, and Westmeath in previous years. Wexford really need to win this one; a win will reignite the fire and hope of Wexford hurling supporters and could set up the start of a successful campaign. It’s a potential banana-skin for Wexford, but they will be confident that they’ll be able to right some wrongs from last year’s loss. Like previous years, the top two teams from the group table will qualify for the Leinster final.
Who are the favourites to win Leinster?
Kilkenny are the front-runners in the eyes of the bookies. The Cats have won the previous five Leinster Senior hurling titles. There’s never anything between Wexford and Kilkenny in recent years – and if Wexford manage to get to the Leinster final, we’d fancy our chances in Croke Park once again. The last time that Wexford won the Leinster title was in 2019.
Kilkenny 10/11
Galway 9/4
Wexford 5/1
Dublin 8/1
Offaly 50/1
Antrim 200/1
Meanwhile, Wexford have been priced at 40/1 to capture the Liam McCarthy Cup in 2025.
What are Wexford’s other games?
After the Antrim clash, Wexford will also take on Dublin (away), Galway (away), Offaly (home), and Kilkenny (home). The full list of fixtures for Wexford in the LSHC for 2025, including dates, can be found here.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.