Hurlers face Waterford in Ferns

NEXT WEEKEND may be a rest period as far as the Allianz Hurling League goes, but the Wexford squad will be partaking in a challenge game that should provide ideal preparation for the visit of Kilkenny to Chadwicks Wexford Park on February 16.

The Ferns St. Aidan’s club have been working hard on improving their facilities, and this will culminate in the official opening of their new pitch and dressing-rooms next Sunday, February 9.

The formal proceedings will be undertaken by Derek Kent, Co. Chairman and Leinster Council Vice-Chairman, at 12.30 p.m.

The opening will be followed immediately afterwards by a Senior hurling challenge featuring Wexford and Waterford, and their new boss, Liam Cahill, will also be taking the game seriously as they prepare to visit Limerick for round three of the league on the following Saturday.

The two counties are in opposite groups in the competition, ensuring that there will be no ‘holding back’ in this encounter.

In an interesting link, former Waterford hurler Pat Bennett from Ballysaggart was part of the Ferns St. Aidan’s backroom team last year, and two of his sons, Kieran (0-5) and Stephen (0-11), featured prominently with our neighbours in their impressive opening day win over Cork in Walsh Park (1-24 to 3-17). The third brother, Shane, is taking a break from the squad at present.

The local club currently enjoys a healthy involvement with the Wexford squad. Apart from the vastly experienced Paul Morris, who made his one hundredth appearance against Laois after making his debut in 2010, goalkeeper James Lawlor played in the two Walsh Cup games.

Gavin Bailey also featured for the first time against Kilkenny in Callan, having won a Leinster medal last summer as an unused substitute, while Conor Scallan is also part of the squad and has been busy with U.C.D. in the Fitzgibbon Cup of late.

Club officials are promising a fun family day out on Sunday, and admission is €10.