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Wexford Hurling Thread

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Replying To WEXILE:  "Obviously Barry is back in the country and wasn't this his last year in Australia with a football contract. For physicality alone he'd be an addition but what about Rory? He's not back yet is he? If not that would be a worry"
I think he was semi-pro in Sydney for the last few years, might have been playing in whatever the Sydney or New South Wales equivalent of the VFL was

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 26/08/2026 10:50:47    2691349

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Replying To logger:  "Is Rory not gone for 2 years lads?"
Think so

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20561 - 26/08/2026 11:14:05    2691359

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Replying To logger:  "Is Rory not gone for 2 years lads?"
If he's not home to play for martins now can't see him being here hurling for Wexford next year.

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 1122 - 26/08/2026 12:50:03    2691387

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Replying To Viking66:  "I think James Byrne has maybe something to offer, Darren Codd too.
Others who might commit under new management, some of them especially if the backroom team is as suspected-
Conor Mac
Cathal Dunbar
Ian Carty
Gary Molloy
Charlie Mcguckin?
Mikie Dwyer if fully recovered from his operation
Jack Cullen?
Darragh Farrell"
Devil's advocate but both this year and over the last few years, I think there have been a few players playing (and starting) for us who have not been up to standard, this is understandable if they're very young because they *might* develop and become good enough but if they're 25+, there's less scope for them to improve IMO

I think we'd be better off bringing in young lads into the panel instead of these older lads, these older lads have had their opportunities and while it may be harsh, they haven't in my view been able to hold down a starting spot for a reason, younger lads mightn't be good enough but we know the older lads haven't exactly been good enough either

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 26/08/2026 13:26:29    2691396

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Devil's advocate but both this year and over the last few years, I think there have been a few players playing (and starting) for us who have not been up to standard, this is understandable if they're very young because they *might* develop and become good enough but if they're 25+, there's less scope for them to improve IMO

I think we'd be better off bringing in young lads into the panel instead of these older lads, these older lads have had their opportunities and while it may be harsh, they haven't in my view been able to hold down a starting spot for a reason, younger lads mightn't be good enough but we know the older lads haven't exactly been good enough either"
Farrell is only 23. Dunbar, Mac and Carty were all current starters when they left the panel. I dont think a fully fit Mikie Dwyer would be far off starting next year either. And I wasnt suggesting in that post that any of the lads you missed would be starters anyway, only that they'd be worth a look at for next year, which is what you said that panel you named was for. Equally they might be miles off the required level after being out for a year or more.
I get that we need newer lads to step up, but they need some experienced lads around them too.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20561 - 26/08/2026 14:12:17    2691402

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Replying To Viking66:  "Farrell is only 23. Dunbar, Mac and Carty were all current starters when they left the panel. I dont think a fully fit Mikie Dwyer would be far off starting next year either. And I wasnt suggesting in that post that any of the lads you missed would be starters anyway, only that they'd be worth a look at for next year, which is what you said that panel you named was for. Equally they might be miles off the required level after being out for a year or more.
I get that we need newer lads to step up, but they need some experienced lads around them too."
We would already have older lads in there though provided the likes of Fanning, Kevin Foley, Donohoe, Chin, Shane Reck, Damien Reck, and Conor Hearne all hang around

We should be casting a wide a net as possible but when it comes to decision time in January or whenever it is, I feel that when we're talking about these older lads who weren't part of them panel in 2025, they should be included in the squad only if they're going to be starter (Or maybe a fringe starter/sub), no point keeping them around if they're going to be on the bench and not come on or not even make the matchday squad at all

As for the players you mentioned, don't want to be too harsh on them as they are amateurs at the end of the day and don't want to be calling someone out online either but here's what I honestly think of them


James Byrne: Decent hurler, don't think he's up to the standard we're looking for though, a bit too small maybe, not as small as some of our starters but we're just too small across the board

Darren Codd: Good club hurler but he's 30 next year and while he's not that small, he's not going to reliably win ball and bully half-backs, don't think he's quite up to the standard either for all that he is a good club hurler

Conor Mac: Ok, the one class act out of those you mentioned, he's 32 next year though and it's not as if he's getting any better, has not had a good run of it with injuries and won't be suited by a two-man full-forward line

Cathal Dunbar: Good hurler but has always been a fringe starter, good enough to start semi-regularly but never good enough to hold down a spot, 31 next year so still might be good enough to be a fringe starter but haven't we got other younger players who are also capable of being fringe starters?

Ian Carty: Good enough to be a good hurler at this level but has been away from Ireland for a while and the last time he hurled at Senior level was 2023, 4 years is a long time in hurling, 30 next year as well, would probably have him in the extended panel around November anyway but those years away might count against him

Gary Molloy: Has been around the squad before and he's a good hurler, is he good enough to be a genuine starter though?

Charlie Mcguckin: Great athlete and great mentality but his hurling ability and his decision-making are not at the same level, 28 next year and I feel like this is who he is a hurler, has always been very good at club level but has had his chances in the past and as harsh as it it so say, I just don't think he has taken them

Mikie Dwyer: Very fast but for me, he gets pushed around too easily at ends up too much on the ground at county level, has had his chances and just hasn't taken them IMO, maybe a goal threat but not a reliable point-scorer at county level

Jack Cullen: Not too sure he's been in great form the last while, maybe a few years ago alright, would think he'd have to get more mobile to play at county level as well

Darragh Farrell: Possibly, no real harm having him in the panel given his age and size

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 26/08/2026 15:50:49    2691414

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "We would already have older lads in there though provided the likes of Fanning, Kevin Foley, Donohoe, Chin, Shane Reck, Damien Reck, and Conor Hearne all hang around

We should be casting a wide a net as possible but when it comes to decision time in January or whenever it is, I feel that when we're talking about these older lads who weren't part of them panel in 2025, they should be included in the squad only if they're going to be starter (Or maybe a fringe starter/sub), no point keeping them around if they're going to be on the bench and not come on or not even make the matchday squad at all

As for the players you mentioned, don't want to be too harsh on them as they are amateurs at the end of the day and don't want to be calling someone out online either but here's what I honestly think of them


James Byrne: Decent hurler, don't think he's up to the standard we're looking for though, a bit too small maybe, not as small as some of our starters but we're just too small across the board

Darren Codd: Good club hurler but he's 30 next year and while he's not that small, he's not going to reliably win ball and bully half-backs, don't think he's quite up to the standard either for all that he is a good club hurler

Conor Mac: Ok, the one class act out of those you mentioned, he's 32 next year though and it's not as if he's getting any better, has not had a good run of it with injuries and won't be suited by a two-man full-forward line

Cathal Dunbar: Good hurler but has always been a fringe starter, good enough to start semi-regularly but never good enough to hold down a spot, 31 next year so still might be good enough to be a fringe starter but haven't we got other younger players who are also capable of being fringe starters?

Ian Carty: Good enough to be a good hurler at this level but has been away from Ireland for a while and the last time he hurled at Senior level was 2023, 4 years is a long time in hurling, 30 next year as well, would probably have him in the extended panel around November anyway but those years away might count against him

Gary Molloy: Has been around the squad before and he's a good hurler, is he good enough to be a genuine starter though?

Charlie Mcguckin: Great athlete and great mentality but his hurling ability and his decision-making are not at the same level, 28 next year and I feel like this is who he is a hurler, has always been very good at club level but has had his chances in the past and as harsh as it it so say, I just don't think he has taken them

Mikie Dwyer: Very fast but for me, he gets pushed around too easily at ends up too much on the ground at county level, has had his chances and just hasn't taken them IMO, maybe a goal threat but not a reliable point-scorer at county level

Jack Cullen: Not too sure he's been in great form the last while, maybe a few years ago alright, would think he'd have to get more mobile to play at county level as well

Darragh Farrell: Possibly, no real harm having him in the panel given his age and size"
I assumed when you picked over 40 lads that you were talking about having lads in for look to see what they were potentially capable of, or still capable of.
By late January/early February we have to have that number cut to mid 30s. Some of the lads will be injured, others will drop out. Not sure if Jacko is giving it another year, or who else of the older lads. There are a good chunk of lads on that list above 24 who you would feel the door is closing on if they dont make some sort of jump forwards next year.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20561 - 26/08/2026 17:34:01    2691440

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So Derek's backroom team are Paul Morris, James Quirke, Gavin O'Brien, and Joey O'Brien

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 27/08/2026 08:23:24    2691464

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "We would already have older lads in there though provided the likes of Fanning, Kevin Foley, Donohoe, Chin, Shane Reck, Damien Reck, and Conor Hearne all hang around

We should be casting a wide a net as possible but when it comes to decision time in January or whenever it is, I feel that when we're talking about these older lads who weren't part of them panel in 2025, they should be included in the squad only if they're going to be starter (Or maybe a fringe starter/sub), no point keeping them around if they're going to be on the bench and not come on or not even make the matchday squad at all

As for the players you mentioned, don't want to be too harsh on them as they are amateurs at the end of the day and don't want to be calling someone out online either but here's what I honestly think of them


James Byrne: Decent hurler, don't think he's up to the standard we're looking for though, a bit too small maybe, not as small as some of our starters but we're just too small across the board

Darren Codd: Good club hurler but he's 30 next year and while he's not that small, he's not going to reliably win ball and bully half-backs, don't think he's quite up to the standard either for all that he is a good club hurler

Conor Mac: Ok, the one class act out of those you mentioned, he's 32 next year though and it's not as if he's getting any better, has not had a good run of it with injuries and won't be suited by a two-man full-forward line

Cathal Dunbar: Good hurler but has always been a fringe starter, good enough to start semi-regularly but never good enough to hold down a spot, 31 next year so still might be good enough to be a fringe starter but haven't we got other younger players who are also capable of being fringe starters?

Ian Carty: Good enough to be a good hurler at this level but has been away from Ireland for a while and the last time he hurled at Senior level was 2023, 4 years is a long time in hurling, 30 next year as well, would probably have him in the extended panel around November anyway but those years away might count against him

Gary Molloy: Has been around the squad before and he's a good hurler, is he good enough to be a genuine starter though?

Charlie Mcguckin: Great athlete and great mentality but his hurling ability and his decision-making are not at the same level, 28 next year and I feel like this is who he is a hurler, has always been very good at club level but has had his chances in the past and as harsh as it it so say, I just don't think he has taken them

Mikie Dwyer: Very fast but for me, he gets pushed around too easily at ends up too much on the ground at county level, has had his chances and just hasn't taken them IMO, maybe a goal threat but not a reliable point-scorer at county level

Jack Cullen: Not too sure he's been in great form the last while, maybe a few years ago alright, would think he'd have to get more mobile to play at county level as well

Darragh Farrell: Possibly, no real harm having him in the panel given his age and size"
Extremely well put on all of the above. Time to move on from all of the above in conversations.

countyman2022 (Wexford) - Posts: 1085 - 27/08/2026 08:44:10    2691466

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "So Derek's backroom team are Paul Morris, James Quirke, Gavin O'Brien, and Joey O'Brien"
Don't know the others but great to see Paul involved. Surely one of our best and underrated hurlers over the years.

Lets hope this team can get our best 15 on the pitch, get a fully committed, unified squad and whether its good enough or not, at least ensure we get the best account of the county as a hurling force in 2027.

wexford2012 (Wexford) - Posts: 146 - 27/08/2026 10:21:00    2691480

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Replying To wexford2012:  "Don't know the others but great to see Paul involved. Surely one of our best and underrated hurlers over the years.

Lets hope this team can get our best 15 on the pitch, get a fully committed, unified squad and whether its good enough or not, at least ensure we get the best account of the county as a hurling force in 2027."
Couldn't agree more . Paul was a brilliant player and is extremely passionate about Wexford hurling . Seen him at many games in the last few years since he retired . Don't know much about the others bar James Quirke he's obviously involved with Gorey a few years now. I just want to see a Wexford team playing to a clear game plan with intensity and passion and get back competing again. Looking forward to the Walsh cup and the league already

Afinestick96 (Wexford) - Posts: 1122 - 27/08/2026 10:54:36    2691486

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I went to the talksport show before the all Ireland and I got talking to Mac. He said he will see if he will commit probably means he will chat to McGrath. Rory o Connor has got a really good job in oz and won't be back unfortunately. Barry o Connor is back full time I'm told whether he commits to the hurlers or footballers is a different story

Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 396 - 27/08/2026 11:17:38    2691495

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Replying To Viking66:  "I think James Byrne has maybe something to offer, Darren Codd too.
Others who might commit under new management, some of them especially if the backroom team is as suspected-
Conor Mac
Cathal Dunbar
Ian Carty
Gary Molloy
Charlie Mcguckin?
Mikie Dwyer if fully recovered from his operation
Jack Cullen?
Darragh Farrell"
Surely time for wexford to move on from mikie dwyer and mcguckian. Both not good enough. Focus on the sean obriens, mooney, roarke,etc

richiepmurphy (Kilkenny) - Posts: 153 - 27/08/2026 11:57:18    2691509

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Replying To Viking66:  "I assumed when you picked over 40 lads that you were talking about having lads in for look to see what they were potentially capable of, or still capable of.
By late January/early February we have to have that number cut to mid 30s. Some of the lads will be injured, others will drop out. Not sure if Jacko is giving it another year, or who else of the older lads. There are a good chunk of lads on that list above 24 who you would feel the door is closing on if they dont make some sort of jump forwards next year."
Well, I don't have an issue with calling these lads into the wider, extended panel in November but I think it should be made clear to them at that point that whenever the final cut comes that if we're not fully sure that they'll be a fringer starter/sub at worst, then we're going to leave them out and have younger lads sitting on the bench and on the extended panel instead

Paul Carley made a good point a few weeks ago on the Wexford Hurling Podcast, some of the lads on the sub bench will get little to no game time in the Championship and those on the extended panel will get no game time, at least with younger lads, you can get them on proper S&C programmes and exposed to intercounty pace and standards in training sessions, practice matches, and possibly league games, they can develop that way even without playing Championship (And this is working under the assumption that anyone who plays less than 20 minutes in an intercounty game should be available to play for their club on the same weekend)

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 27/08/2026 12:20:25    2691519

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Replying To wexford2012:  "Don't know the others but great to see Paul involved. Surely one of our best and underrated hurlers over the years.

Lets hope this team can get our best 15 on the pitch, get a fully committed, unified squad and whether its good enough or not, at least ensure we get the best account of the county as a hurling force in 2027."
Looks like Joey O'Brien is there as Head of Athletic Development, has worked with the Waterford hurlers and Wexford footballers before, don't know whether his remit is just for the Seniors or also takes in the squad, title would seem to suggest he might be doing the whole shebang, don't know why they didn't just call him Head S&C coach if it's just the Seniors he's with

Gavin O'Brien still plays for Roanmore, think they lost to Fourmilewater in the SFs last Sunday, was on the Waterford squad when Derek started off there

Quirke has been over Gorey for the last while, think he's a Garda based in Wicklow, would've played for De La Salle the time they won Munster

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 27/08/2026 12:25:34    2691520

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See Larry O is in the papers saying he thinks we've the ability to win a Leinster final next year

Only this time last year he was in the papers saying he was worried we'd lose to Kildare

Said that Derek could bring about 25%-30% improvement compared to Keith

ElGranSenor (Wexford) - Posts: 1516 - 27/08/2026 12:32:10    2691521

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Replying To ElGranSenor:  "Looks like Joey O'Brien is there as Head of Athletic Development, has worked with the Waterford hurlers and Wexford footballers before, don't know whether his remit is just for the Seniors or also takes in the squad, title would seem to suggest he might be doing the whole shebang, don't know why they didn't just call him Head S&C coach if it's just the Seniors he's with

Gavin O'Brien still plays for Roanmore, think they lost to Fourmilewater in the SFs last Sunday, was on the Waterford squad when Derek started off there

Quirke has been over Gorey for the last while, think he's a Garda based in Wicklow, would've played for De La Salle the time they won Munster"
Gavin O'Brien is over Barntown this year. Quirke still over Gorey.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20561 - 27/08/2026 13:57:30    2691541

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Larry O is a legend... he can say what he wants! Go on the Brother!!!

logger (Wexford) - Posts: 346 - 27/08/2026 14:12:53    2691546

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Replying To logger:  "Larry O is a legend... he can say what he wants! Go on the Brother!!!"
He is all of that!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20561 - 27/08/2026 15:13:07    2691552

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Replying To wexford2012:  "Don't know the others but great to see Paul involved. Surely one of our best and underrated hurlers over the years.

Lets hope this team can get our best 15 on the pitch, get a fully committed, unified squad and whether its good enough or not, at least ensure we get the best account of the county as a hurling force in 2027."
Paul Morris is a legend. An exceptionally underappreciated forward. His level of consistency from under 14 up to a very good senior career is unparalleled.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 4649 - 27/08/2026 15:19:19    2691554

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