Bolger’s men are flying football flag and doing fine job
MENTION THE AIB Leinster Club football championship and memories will come back to haunt us, as Wexford clubs have a very poor record. This year the misery looked set to continue when Senior champions Castletown disappointed in their defeat at the hands of Carlow champions, Eire Og, in their opening round game.
Wexford has always been a proud football county, but the big ball game took a further blow when they were unable to compete in the provincial Intermediate championship, as their own county championship was not finished to allow the eventual champions participate.
This was another unwelcome blow for the game in the county. Then it was left to the small rural club of Rathgarogue-Cushinstown to salvage the county’s pride as they set out on the provincial Junior football championship title race.
They have been left to answer the call. And having excelled through the county championship, manager James Bolger was determined they would leave an imprint on the provincial campaign.
They cast aside Mooncoin in their opening round, leaving them pitted against Dublin outfit, Craobh Chiaráin, in the quarter-final.
Dublin may be a dominant force in football at the moment, but Rathgarogue-Cushinstown were clearly determined to represent their county with pride.
And so they marched on to an impressive victory over the Dublin side, gaining a place in the semi-final and keeping what has been a memorable year for the club very much alive.
The Mooncoin game was the club’s first-ever venture into provincial club championship football. The manner in which they have embraced the challenges laid down has to be admired as they have really performed.
Now they are down to the last four, and a home clash against Shannonbridge from Offaly.
G.A.A. followers in the county may not be paying that much attention but, having fought their way through the two opening games, it’s a challenge that has been embraced, not alone by the players and club, but also their strong support base which one witnessed in O’Kennedy Park on Saturday.
Winning has certainly helped Rathgarogue-Cushinstown. They came through a demanding Wexford championship, a campaign that is clearly standing to them now, as they come up against the victors of other counties.
It has been somewhat of a natural progression for the club and players. They have taken on the challenges, and prepared well, showing a determination that has stood the test, and now they have a provincial semi-final to deal with.
It’s a classic case of a small club embracing the challenges facing them. The last couple of years have seen them collect the Junior title after a number of disappointments, and then add the Intermediate ‘A’ crown at the first attempt.
It goes without saying that Rathgarogue-Cushinstown are carrying the flag for football in the county. The expectation is now there, but manager Bolger will have his side prepared for their semi-final with Shannonbridge. Now it’s simply a case of the side putting their best foot forward.
Meanwhile, Senior hurling champions, St. Martin’s, visit the lions’ den on Saturday afternoon, when they take on reigning All-Ireland, Leinster and Kilkenny champions, Ballyhale Shamrocks, in their provincial club Senior hurling semi-final.
One is keenly aware of the challenge facing the Wexford champions. Many would term this game as a shoot-out involving Rory O’Connor and T.J. Reid, as here one has two of the most skilful hurlers in the game in opposition.
Ballyhale Shamrocks have done it before, and know what it takes to bring their game to another level, but for St. Martin’s it will be an opportunity to impose themselves at the top echelons.
Many will feel it’s a type of poisoned chalice to be handed such a game, but it’s a challenge that St. Martin’s should relish.
Former Kilkenny ace Charlie Carter is a part of their set-up so he should bring his knowledge to the squad.
St. Martin’s will need leaders to cope with this challenge, but they will like to think they have the players to live in this environment.