The Wexford Eagles opened their 2026 American Football Ireland Division 1 campaign in emphatic fashion on Saturday (21/03), powering past the much fancied Cill Dara Crusaders with a 32–6 win in Newbridge College.
Played in bright, calm conditions on a perfect surface, this was a performance built on control, physicality, and moments of defensive impact that repeatedly shifted the game in Wexford’s favour.
From the outset, the Eagles looked composed. Terry Carey opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 7-yard rushing touchdown, setting the early tone for what would become a long afternoon for the Crusaders’ defence. That score signalled Wexford’s intent, with a dominant ground game used to dictate tempo throughout.
The second quarter saw quarterback Ross McCooey begin to stretch the field, connecting with Lorcan Kinsella for a 10-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead. By halftime, the Eagles were in control, but the game had not yet fully broken.
That changed in the third quarter.
The defining moment came when Owen Hydes stepped in front of a Crusaders drive, intercepting a pass that halted momentum and flipped the field. From there, the Eagles accelerated, with the sideline visibly lifting as the game began to tilt decisively their way. McCooey punched in a 2-yard rushing score before linking up with Kilian Buckley, whose 30-yard touchdown reception effectively ended any resistance.
If the interception shifted the game, Buckley’s score stretched it beyond reach.
Defensively, Wexford imposed themselves throughout. Rookie Jamie Howlin delivered a standout performance, forcing two fumbles and recording five tackles, consistently disrupting Crusaders possession at key moments. Alongside him, Owen Hydes anchored the unit with authority, his interception and leadership at linebacker setting the tone for a defence that played fast, physical, and disciplined football. Contributions from Eamon McCooey and Henry Foxton added further weight to a dominant display.
On the offensive side, Carey was the constant. He finished with over 100 rushing yards and a second fourth-quarter touchdown, providing both production and control. Time and again, when momentum was needed, he delivered. His late score, followed by a two-point conversion from Paddy Bisset, capped a complete team performance.
McCooey, operating as both head coach and quarterback, finished with two passing touchdowns and one on the ground, managing the game effectively while taking opportunities when they presented themselves.
The performances of Carey, Howlin, and Hydes did not go unnoticed, with the trio named Offensive and Defensive MVPs respectively. Carey’s dominance on the ground provided the platform, while Howlin’s impact and Hydes’ instinct and control ensured the game remained firmly in Wexford’s hands.
There were also encouraging signs beyond the headline performers. Rookies made meaningful contributions alongside experienced players, suggesting a squad with both depth and balance as the season unfolds.
Speaking after the game, McCooey pointed to execution and trust as the foundation of the win.
“We stuck to the plan, trusted each other, and finished strong when it mattered.”
In truth, this was a game defined by discipline and control. A strong running game laid the platform, but it was the defence, forcing turnovers and seizing key moments, that ultimately broke the contest open.
The Eagles now face a quick turnaround, turning their attention north as they travel up the M11 and M1 to Belfast to take on the Antrim Stags on Sunday 29th March.
It’s an early test of depth and resilience, with back-to-back fixtures often revealing as much about a squad as any single performance. After a strong opening showing, Wexford will be looking to carry that same physical edge and discipline into another demanding early-season test.
(Featured Image – Pfiafi)
Conor Hogan
From Wexford, Conor is the PRO for the Wexford Eagles (Wexford’s only American Football team) and for the Gorey Atheltics Club.
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