Five potential replacements for the vacant Wexford managerial role

Wexford Senior hurling manager, Keith Rossiter, has stepped down from his role as Wexford Senior Hurling manager…

The Oulart-The Ballagh man stepped into the Wexford Senior hurling managerial role in 2023 on a three-year term when he replaced outoging manager, Darragh Egan. Prior to that, Rossiter was manager of the Wexford u-20 hurling team and was also part of Davy Fitzgerald’s backroom set up.

Attention will now turn to finding a suitable replacement for the Wexford position.

Joe Fortune

Joe Fortune built a strong reputation in underage coaching with Dublin, guiding minor and under-21 teams to provincial success. He later managed Ballyboden St Enda’s to county honours before taking charge of Westmeath’s senior hurlers (2021-2024). A proud Wexford man, Fortune is respected for player development, tactical organisation, and fostering competitive, disciplined teams.

Declan Ruth

Former Wexford hurler, Declan Ruth, earned recognition through his work with club hurling teams in Wexford, most notably guiding Rapparees to significant county success. His management style emphasised commitment, preparation, and teamwork. Winning the Wexford SHC with his local club the Rapparees was their first in over four decades. He then made a significant impact with Rathnure, guiding them to Intermediate hurling success and to the Wexford SHC final the following year (lost to St Martins who became Leinster champions). It is believed that Ruth was in the running for the vacant Wexford role when Darragh Egan departed three years ago.

JJ Doyle

JJ Doyle is regarded as one of camogie’s most successful managers. He guided Wexford to multiple All-Ireland senior camogie titles and helped establish the county as a dominant force. The Wexford man would then lead Wexford to a trio of u-21 hurling Leinster hurling titles. He has been around Wexford Senior hurling set-ups as a selector in the past, most notably with Davy Fitzgerald. He is the current Wexford minor hurling manager, and more than likely is one of the lead contenders for the vacant position.

Henry Shefflin

Henry Shefflin, one of hurling’s greatest players, transitioned successfully into management after retirement. He guided Ballyhale Shamrocks to All-Ireland club success and later became Galway senior hurling manager. There’s no doubt that the Ballyhale man would be welcomed in Wexford; Wexford are in a period of transition and younger players would only love to play under one of the greatest of all time. Whether the Kilkenny man would want the Wexford job would pose another question though. There are talks that both Brian Dowling and Henry Shefflin are the two main contenders for the vacant Kilkenny role.

Peter Queally

Peter Queally managed Waterford’s senior hurling team after achieving success at club level with Ballygunner. Known for his strong organisational skills and commitment to player preparation, he focused on improving performance standards. His managerial career reflects dedication to developing competitive teams capable of challenging top opposition consistently. Although Waterford didn’t manage to get out of Munster, there was some disappointment locally that he wasn’t kept after making steady progress with the Deise to make them competitive again.

The Wexford Club hurling championships will return to action on June 26 which is now less than two weeks away. It is hoped that Wexford would secure a manager at the start of the Championships, giving the individual ample opportunity to look at the current Wexford talent across the multiple divisions in the county. Another test for the incoming Wexford Senior hurling manager will be to get multiple players back playing with the team, including Conor McDonald, Rory O’Connor, Cathal Dunbar, Charlie McGuckin, and Eoin Ryan.

There will be more jeoprady with Wexford club hurling games for the 2026 season, with the team(s) that finishes in 6th position of Group A and Group B being placed directly into the relegation final.

Meanwhille, another two bordering counties — Kilkenny and Waterford — will also be on the look out for new managers after it was confirmed that Derk Lyng (Kilkenny) and Peter Queally (Waterford) will not be continuing for another year.