Former stars missed
WEXFORD COUNTY Board followed a tried and trusted tradition by honouring some of its successful teams of the past over the weekend. On Saturday it was the turn of the county’s sole All-Ireland winning Masters (Over-40) hurling team, winners at the expense of the Johnny Walsh- inspired Kildare in the inaugural year of the competition in 1991.
And then on Sunday the limelight fell on the Minor hurlers of 1966 who brought a second national title to the county in the space of four years thanks to a replay win over Cork on the most unusual scoreline of 4-1 to 1-8.
Sadly as far as most fair-minded followers of the game were concerned, three members of those teams were conspicuous by their absence.
We are referring to Tony Doran, who captained the Masters 25 years ago, as well as his club colleague Mick Butler plus Faythe Harriers stylist Ned Buggy who were key figures when that Minor title was annexed in the middle of the county’s golden hurling era.
We assume that they weren’t entitled to participate as a result of recent suspensions imposed, and that is a great pity.
Just in case this talented trio are in any doubt, here at ‘Seen And Heard’ we feel it’s only fitting to point out that they will always be regarded as legends of the game by those fortunate enough to have seen them in action.
Nothing that happened in the last few months diminishes that in our view. Between them they have done more for the G.A.A. in the county than many of the people imposing those bans could even dream about, and that will never be forgotten. All three should continue to hold their heads high. While we’re on the subject of those half-time presentations, we can’t help thinking that they’re done purely to be got out of the way, instead of making a real fuss of the participants.
It was the same at the Senior football final when the Glynn-Barntown All-Ireland winning rounders women were honoured, with the event taking place almost unknown to many of the paying public.
Part of the problem stems from the very poor P.A. system in Wexford Park which leads to a tinny sound at the best of times, even for those located in the stand.
And while it’s wonderful to see youngsters afforded the freedom of the field to stretch their legs at half-time, the downside is that those presentations are lost in the overall scheme of things.