Teams named for Wexford Senior hurling semi-finals

The Wexford Senior hurling semi-finals take place this weekend…

All managers have revealed their sides for the upcoming and highly-anticipated Wexford SHC semi-finals. In the semi-finals, Rathnure will take on Naomh Eanna while St Martins will take on Ferns St Aidans. Both games will take place in Wexford Park on Sunday, 12 October.

Rathnure vs Naomh Eanna:

Rathnure are arguably the team and the story of the Wexford Senior hurling championship for 2025. Coming up from Intermediate last year, Rathnure – managed by Declan ‘Skippy’ Ruth – are yet to lose a game – showing their class in all games throughout the Championship to date. Rathnure were 40/1 outsiders at the start of the championship, but they’re just one game away from a Wexford Senior Hurling final now.

Both Rathnure and Naomh Eanna met in an earlier round in the group stages, but there’s a lot more at stake now. When Rathnure defeated Naomh Eanna, the Gorey side were missing a number of key players including Gary Molloy, Aodhán Doyle, and Sean Doyle, who will all feature in the semi-final. Naomh Eanna are starting to hit some form, especially in their two recent games where they comfortably defeated the Rapparees before then defying the bookie’s odds to withstand a St Annes comeback.

Odds: Rathnure 11/10, Draw 8/1, Naomh Eanna 5/6 (Via Betfair)

St Martins vs Ferns:

Just like Rathnure, St Martins are yet to lose a game in this year’s championship. They seem to be steam-rolling teams with relative ease. There’s no doubting the quality that this St Martins team possess either; with the likes of Jack O’Connor, Joe Barrett, Conor Firman, and Darren Codd in their team, they are a strong outfit. Their main player, however, is Rory O’Connor who can change a game on his own. One significant advantage that St Martins hold against other teams is their panel. They can introduce the likes of Jake Firman, Joe Coleman, and Paddy O’Connor and their team will not be weakened.

Ferns, on the other hand, have reached the semi-final stages somewhat under the radar. Managed by Pat Bennett, they’re a well-balanced side with everyone knowing their jobs. The likes of Niall Murphy, Gavin Bailey, Corey Byrne-Dunbar and Ian Byrne are excellent hurlers and have the ability to match St Martins. Their side is captained by former Wexford hurler, Paul Morris, who can cause havoc against any team.

Odds: St Martins 4/11, Ferns 10/1, Ferns 23/10 (Via Betfair)

Wexford SHC Outright winner – Odds:

St Martins 10/11

Naomh Eanna 23/10

Rathnure 16/5

Ferns 8/1

Meanwhile, the relegation final will also take place this weekend. Both Oylegate and Crossabeg/Ballymurn will battle it out to retain their Senior status for 2026.

Crossabeg/Ballymurn vs Oylegate:

A relegation final is a place where no team wants to be, but each year, it’s going to be the case for two teams. For 2025, Crossabeg/Ballymurn will battle it out against Oylegate-Glenbrien. Oylegate, who were in the Wexford Senior hurling final just two years ago, will be in unfamiliar territory. For this reason, on the most recent episode of The Wexford Hurling Podcast, former Wexford hurler Paul Carley has tipped Crossabeg to win this game. With two evenly matched sides, this game will likely go down to the wire.