NEWS IN BRIEF
DICKIE OMITTED: Dickie Murphy’s omission from the list of hurling referees to officiate in the championship was deemed a major surprise, especially as he had taken charge of a big league meeting between Kilkenny and Cork in March.
‘Of course it’s disappointing but I’ve had a good run,’ he said.
‘Everyone likes to stay at the top level for as long as they can and I thought I had a good chance of being in again this year, but it hasn’t happened,’ said the man who refereed his first championship game in 1989 and went on to handle four All-Ireland Senior finals.
Wexford were still represented on the elite group in both codes, by James Owens (Askamore) in hurling, and Syl Doyle (Ballyhogue) in football.
BOLGER BAGS DOUBLE: A large crowd basked in glorious sunshine at the Bettyville track as Jim Bolger enjoyed a fine double on a perfect night for racing.
He sent out two good winners from his Coolcullen yard in the colours of his wife Jackie, with jockey Kevin Manning doing the needful to pilot Ceannline and Mianach home.
PACKING A PUNCH: Ciara Doyle from Gorey Boxing Club was celebrating after capturing the 66 kgs. title at the national youth championship final.
In the best fight of the tournament, she overcame Clare Grace of Callan, Co. Kilkenny, 17-16 after a gruelling battle.
Jack Morrissey of Sacre Coeur in Enniscorthy, grandson of Jim, the fifties hurling hero, went down 13-8 to Kiril Afanasev of Smithfield in the 91 kgs. division.
WOODS REWARDED: Tommy Woods, a long-time stalwart of horse racing in Wexford, received some much-deserved recognition in the form of the stable staff of the year accolade at the Irish National Hunt awards dinner in Adare, Co. Limerick.
DEMPSEY’S DELIGHT: A tremendous Shane Dempsey goal from a 76th-minute free-kick ensured Wexford Youths maintained their good run with an impressive 2-1 victory over Shelbourne in their Division 1 clash in Tolka Park on May 21, 2010.
They recovered superbly from the concession of a goal to Seán Byrne from an inswinging corner, with David Breen equalising from the penalty spot before Dempsey capped a fine all-round team display with the winner.
RYAN’S THE MAN: It was cup final time on the schooboys soccer scene, and two current professionals were the star performers for their respective clubs in the Under-14 final held in Rosslare.
Ryan Delaney grabbed the all-important goal in extra-time for New Ross Celtic as they edged out Curracloe United, with Kevin O’Connor from the losing team honoured with the player of the match award.
Moyne Rangers fought back from the concession of a goal to Fethard’s John Tubritt to win the Under-16 final 2-1, with Timmy Dwyer and Niall Thorpe responding to seal success.
FERNS DOUBLE: A goal four minutes from the end of extra-time gave Ferns United the women’s soccer league and cup double for the second time in three years.
Josie Dwyer struck the winner in a 3-2 victory over their arch-rivals from Waterford, Benfica.