Davy finalises his backroom
Guiney returns to the fold
NEW WEXFORD hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has received a welcome boost as he settles into his new surrounds with the return of Jack Guiney to the inter-county fold.
The Rathnure attacker is among a squad of players that Fitzgerald is bringing together for winter training in preparation for the Walsh Cup and life in Division 1B of the National League.
Another welcome addition to his backroom team is Keith Rossiter. The Oulart-The Ballagh defender, who is currently laid low with a back problem, forcing him to miss his club’s Leinster championship game on Sunday, will be involved with the Wexford set-up in a parttime coaching capacity.
Another addition to the back- room is 2009 All-Ireland final man of the match, Kilkenny’s P.J. Ryan, who will act as goalkeeping coach.
While three-in-row Leinster winning Under-21 manager, J.J. Doyle, is the local link, Fitzgerald is also bringing along a strong and experienced team.
Two of his former colleagues, Waterford’s Páraic Fanning along with Seoirse Bulfin, are among his backroom set-up.
Bulfin worked alongside Fitzgerald with Limerick I.T., Waterford and Clare, while Fanning was a member of the Deise backroom team.
Fitzgerald has also enlisted the service of three strength and conditioning coaches, Jimmy Payne, Darren Siggins and Ross Dunphy.
Payne moves with Fitzgerald from the Clare set-up, while Siggins and Dunphy are Wexford town natives who both worked for Seamus Plunkett during his time as Laois manager.
Dunphy, who played his club football with Clonard, while also playing at inter-county level for his native county, has also worked with the Tipperary and Dublin Senior hurling teams in recent years.
While Guiney’s return is welcome, Fitzgerald has also brought in two former Under-21 attackers, Kevin Foley and Rhys Clarke. Foley opted out of the Senior set-up this year owing to exam commitments, but figured with the Under-21 hurling team.
Ian Byrne, now resident in Dubai, is absent, while battling their way back from cruciate injuries are Andrew Shore, Shane Tomkins and Liam Og McGovern.
Fitzgerald was a very interested observer once again in Innovate Wexford Park on Sunday when Oulart-The Ballagh underlined their credentials with a big win over St. Rynagh’s from Offaly.