Two brain-teasers

THE MAKE-UP of the Wexford Intermediate hurling team for Wednesday’s Leinster championship semi-final against Galway in Portlaoise prompted a couple of brain-teasers. First of all, name the player who has lined out with three separate clubs in the past year, even though he hasn’t actually got a permanent transfer from his home club?

And secondly, name the player who has featured on Wexford Senior, Intermediate and Under-21 panels this year, even though he has yet to make his debut with his own club’s first team? Confused? We’ll put you out of your misery so. The answer to the first question is Jack Pettit from the Our Lady’s Island club. Last year, as an isolated player, he represented GlynnBarn town at Minor level, and this year, the County Board gave him a special dispensation to play football with St. Fintan’s because his own club isn’t fielding a team.

Indeed, to be strictly accurate about it, Pettit has actually featured with four different club teams as he also plays Under-21 with Forth and Bargy Gaels, an amalgamation of Our Lady’s Island, Kilmore and St. Mary’s (Rosslare).

The second answer is Darragh Hughes of Naomh Eanna who is understudy to the experienced Barry Kinsella at club level and still lines out with the Gorey side’s Junior team.

He played in goal for the Intermediates on Wednesday, having been a substitute for the Seniors during the Walsh Cup campaign, and also for the Under-21s in the Leinster championship.

These are two unusual situations to be in for a couple of promising young hurlers who are prepared to give the commitment to their county unlike a lot of others who were asked.