Wexford’s loyal hurling following has been starved of success in the last twenty years. They’re back now, and they’re back with a bang.
Wexford people are absolutely mad about hurling, they adore the game by the banks of the Slaney.
Unfortunately for Wexford folk, they haven’t had much to shout about in recent years having not won an All-Ireland Championship since 1996 or a Leinster Championship since 2004.
Davy Fitzgerald has brought the magic back, however. The Clare-man was responsible for the yellow belly’s first victory over Kilkenny at Nowlan Park since 1957 during their highly successful League campaign.
Fitzgerald and his Wexford army were at it again on Saturday night as they usurped the Cats once more.
This time it was on the biggest stage, it was Championship hurling and the 19 Wexford players who donned that famous jersey done so with an inspired desire, pride and hunger that resembled the heroes of their past.
Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford side proved that they don’t need him on the sideline urging them on in games. No, they’re able to do it all themselves.
Lee Chin was at his breathtaking best in a play-making role around the middle. Paul Morris was shooting scores from all angles and Conor McDonald was also in phenomenal form notching five points.
Liam Ryan was a resolute block in defence as was the all-action Shaun Murphy.
In truth, each and every Wexford player, including their four subs did themselves proud. They pulled it out of the bag when it mattered most.
The County’s Twitter account deserves plenty of praise too for its fitting description of the day’s events.
It summed up the emotion of the day perfectly.
There was elation, there was frustration. There was downright disbelief. It was a breathless account of events that beautifully sums up the emotional rollercoaster that only sport can provide.
We got an account of this game of hurling like it was the only thing in the world that mattered.
The emotion was flowing from the word go.
The disappointment was palpable.
Oh no! Penalty awarded to KK for foul on Fennelly
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
Phew!
TJ Reid wins a free about 30 metres out, firing into the Clonard end against the wind and it's WIDE!!
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
They even got a bit of Gaeilge in, a true Gael.
Brilliant catch James Breen, wins us a free in lár na páirce. Lee takes it and it's over! LEVEL, 1-0 to 0-3.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
They’re fond of the Irish down in Wexford.
Ger Aylward wide, arís.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
We can almost see the Conor McDonald magic.
The catch, the turn, the classic Conor Mc point! 0-6 to 1-2.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
A slight exaggeration, but you have to stick up for your own.
Clothesline on Aidan Nolan, a free to us on the 21 metre line, Conor hits it over, we lead 0-7 to 1-3.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
Jesus, the Kilkenny lads were hitting them from all angles.
Dee survives an attempted decapitation, free for Lee from midfield and it's over! 0-11 to 1-4 we lead after 34 minutes.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
There’s nothing worse than being caught in the half-time stampede for the toilets, you can’t miss the action though.
Official attendance today in @InnovateCloud Wexford Park is 18,467. The line for the toilets is only savage.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
The poor lad is jumping out of his skin.
Gooooooalllll! No idea who scored, me heart!! 1-13 to 1-5.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
They don’t know who scored, they don’t care, go on Wexford.
Maybe David Redmond was the scorer? Chants of "Wexford, Wexford" ring out.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
The lad pure loves his County.
Finding it impossible to stay calm here, huge chants ringing around @InnovateCloud Wexford Park, nerves jangling.
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
Divine intervention, the last resort.
KK free, 38 metres out, TJ Reid converts, 1-19 to 3-11 and there's 3 additional minutes. Please Lord . . .
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
The lad had a seizure, he couldn’t even use his keyboard by the end of it.
KK 65, Reid drops it in, schemozzle, heart attacj, ball thown in then FREE OUT!!!!
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
Nothing better than beating the neighbours.
YES!! We win, 1-20 to 3-11, @InnovateCloud erupts, Davy's ban is over in 3 hours and it's the back door, the cat flap for KK!
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
They’re about to start dancing at those famous crossroads.
Scenes!! Comhgháirdeachas le laochra Loch Garman, first Leinster Final for us since 2008! Great night in store! pic.twitter.com/P8n834iHUZ
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) June 10, 2017
Absolutely gripping stuff.
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