Jackie Tyrrell is worried for Wexford ahead of upcoming Leinster Hurling Championship

Anticipation is building ahead of this weekend’s hurling action…

Both the Leinster and Munster hurling championship returns and excitment is building. Along with the excitement, many people have their own views on how both Championships will conclude.

Despite being relegated to Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League in 2025, most Wexford supporters will be relatively happy going into the Leinster Championship. Their away win against Limerick, albeit in a dead-rubber game at the Gaelic Grounds, seen Wexford defeat the Treaty County. Alongside that, Wexford have multiple players returning to the fold, players that were missing for the opening rounds of the Allianz Hurling League.

One former hurler – and now pundit – Jackie Tyrrell, isn’t feeling that same sense of hope for Wexford though. Speaking with RTE’s The GAA Podcast, he discussed his worry when predicting his top three that will qualify for the Liam McCarthy Cup:

“Kilkenny, Galway, but I am a little worried for Wexford. In terms of their key guys and their injuries. Conor McDonald is out. Lee Chin – we see the difference for this team with Lee Chin in it. If he somehow is injured, or misses a game, I think I’d be worried for Wexford. Liam Ryan is injury prone and is so pivotal to that team. I would give an outside shout to maybe an Offaly sneaking in to the top three,” Tyrrell said.

In Jackie’s view, Wexford won’t be in the race for the Leinster title or the Liam McCarthy Cup for 2025. Instead, Wexford may be in a relegation battle with both Antrim and Dublin. The team which finishes in sixth place will be relegated to the Joe McDonagh Cup. Two years ago, Wexford needed a historic win over Kilkenny in Wexford Park to survive the drop to the Joe McDonagh.

The former Kilkenny hurler’s views contrast quite significantly with the views of former Wexford All-Ireland winner, Billy Byrne, who remains very hopeful for the new Championship campaign:

“When we look at the last 3 games that we played in the League, we have shown a bit of consistency. We’re starting to come as a team. And I think we’re coming at the right time. I’m looking forward to it. I think there’s a big year in this Wexford team, and I hope that I’m right,” Byrne said.

Wexford’s opening match of the Leinster Championship campaign will take place on Saturday at 2pm. Wexford Senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter, has called on Wexford supporters to attend in numbers and to show their support to the side.