Senior final of ’68 brought back fond hurling memories

WEXFORD MAY look upon itself as one of the elite hurling counties, but still All-Ireland final victories over the past 50-plus years have been rare. Since that magnificent 1968 comeback win over Tipperary, through the intervening years Wexford have managed just one more triumph - taking the Liam MacCarthy Cup home in 1996, after a lapse of 28 years, although they appeared in final defeats to Cork in 1976 and 1977.

Now a full 24 years has elapsed since that famous victory under Oulart-The Ballagh captain, Martin Storey, a victory that brought renewed hope for the county, but for some reason it was one that Wexford failed to build upon.

TG4 viewers were afforded the opportunity of watching that remarkable Wexford versus Tipperary All-Ireland Senior hurling final of 1968 on Sunday.

It evoked so many memories, having reported on that remarkable afternoon in Croke Park, as earlier the Minors had recorded a magnificent final victory over Cork.

And I felt as proud when looking at this clash in the comforts of home as on that marvellous first Sunday in September, 52 years ago.

That 1960s decade will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Wexford G.A.A., and 1968 capped a remarkable period for the county, with the colleges title, Minor success, that Senior victory, Senior camogie honours, coupled with handball glory.

Having viewed the action along with the scenes of euphoria on the final whistle, with Rathnure’s Dan Quigley lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup, my mind drifted back over the years and the many great comeback victories of Wexford over the Premier county.

As an eight-year-old, I was brought along to Croke Park when - against the odds - Wexford ambushed Tipperary in the National Hurling League final of 1956.

It was one of the most memorable finals in the history of the competition. Last-minute goals by Tom Dixon and Nickey Rackard gave Wexford a four-point (5-9 to 2-14) victory, but what made the match extraordinary was the half-time score.

Tipperary led by 15 points, 2-10 to 0-1. Wexford - All-Ireland champions for the first time in over 40 years the previous September – appeared to be in serious trouble.

Tipperary’s Paddy Kenny scored 2-8, but the day belonged to Nickey Rackard who reputedly smashed a table full of glasses in the dressing-room at half-time.

His personal total was 2-1, and he inspired the comeback. That was one of the most remarkable games, and I can still recall Tom Dixon striking that crucial late goal from the fringe of the square.

Wexford, as so often, were the underdogs going into the 1960 All-Ireland final, with Tipperary the roaring hot favourites, but another dramatic day was offered by the men in purple and gold as they fashioned a magnificent 2-15 to 0-11 victory.

That outcome left the Premier county stunned, but Wexford supporters and neutrals alike were ecstatic with the final display.

An unfancied amalgam of survivors from the 1950s and newcomers, Wexford were complete outsiders.

Tipperary were on the verge of establishing themselves as one of the great sides in the history of the game, with four All-Irelands in the following five years, but on that occasion the match tilted widely in Wexford’s favour.

Jimmy Doyle - the most celebrated forward of his generation - was held scoreless from play by 19-year-old championship debutant, John Nolan, brother of ‘keeper Pat.

Shortly after half-time, ‘Hopper’ McGrath scored a goal for Wexford, who raised their game sensationally, and outscored Tipp in the second period by 1-8 to 0-3.

Outsiders again in 1968, and trailing by 1-11 to 1-3 at half-time, Wexford were inspired by second half-goals from Tony Doran (two), Jack Berry, who also goaled in the first-half, and a Paul Lynch 21yard bullet free.

Those scores saw them hold Tipperary to just one point for most of the second-half, as they fashioned a 5-8 to 3-12 victory, with the opposition’s two consolation goals coming late in the game.

Wexford won both Senior and Minor finals that day. It would be another 28 years before we really enjoyed another first Sunday in September.