Three names expected to be in Derek McGrath’s Wexford Senior hurling backroom

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Derek McGrath was confirmed as the new Wexford Senior hurling manager…

Derek McGrath, announced as the new Wexford Senior hurling manager on 17 July 2026, has been appointed on a three-year term.

McGrath has replaced Wexford man, Keith Rossiter, who was at the helm for three years.

The Irish Independent have reported that “McGrath is expected to have the former Westmeath manager Joe Fortune, former Wexford player Diarmuid O’Keeffe and James Quirke, the Naomh Éanna manager, as his core backroom team.”

The potential addition of Joe Fortune in particular would be a significant boost for the Wexford hurlers considering his name was rumoured to be in contention for the management job, having managed the Westmeath Senior hurlers for three seasons.

Meanwhile, Quirke has hands-on experience with management; he’s currently managing the Naomh Eanna Senior hurlers and helped lead the team to Senior hurling championship victory in 2023. With that experience on the sidelines, there’s no doubt that he would be aware of the talent within Wexford hurling circles.

The other name mentioned — Dee O’Keeffe — is another excellent choice, should the Irish Independent report be factual. O’Keeffe enjoyed a lenghty career with the Wexford Senior hurlers and was often tipped to pursue coaching or management after his inter-county career with the Yellowbellies.

And those who think Wexford may do the unthinkable with Derek McGrath and his new management team at the helm should note the online sports betting odds. Although the All-Ireland final for 2025 just took place last week, the bookies have already delved into the market for next season. Heading into the new campaign with the Yellowbellies, Derek McGrath’s Wexford Senior hurling team are priced at 100/1 to claim Liam McCarthy silverware.

The new backroom team will be officially confirmed within the next few weeks.