Our puck-outs will be crucial
U-21s go in as underdogs
WHILST I have reservations on some of the elements of the new hurling format, I must admit that we have had a spectacular hurling summer so far with close games, colour and atmosphere being the order of the day.
Last weekend has thrown up many permutations, particularly for Wexford whose season at both Senior and Under-21 levels will be clearly defined over the next few weeks.
If we can get beyond the banana skin that is Westmeath we will potentially face into games with mouth-watering undercurrents.
Firstly there would be a clash with Davy’s own Clare and if successful (and that’s a big if) we could (depending on other results) face one of our own in John Meyler’s Cork.
John, who has had tremendous success in his adopted county, managed Wexford a few years back and reached an All-Ireland semi-final in 2007 before his departure which in many opinions (including my own) was premature.
Before progressing to the Under-21 I must congratulate our neighbours Carlow, Colm Bonnar and particularly our own Martin Byrne for their success last Sunday.
I have long felt the huge hurling potential on Barrowside was not fully appreciated by the powers that be, and I am delighted they have proven on the field of play that their rightful status is in the Leinster championship.
From our point of view, a trip to Mullingar is more desirable (although it contains its challenges) than the lions’ den that will be undoubtedly Limerick’s destination. On balance however, both favourites should progress.
Things are not as clearcut when predicting what will happen in Portlaoise on Wednesday evening in what should be a right old battle.
Three years ago I watched a wonderful Minor All-Ireland final where Galway ran out victors over a hotly-fancied Tipperary team.
They retain a good number of that team and had a huge win over a rated Kilkenny side last week with a player in Evan Niland, although small in stature, maintaining the impact he carried in Croker in 2015. He is a tremendous young forward and a player we will need to watch closely.
Their half-back line of Derek Fitzpatrick, Mark Hughes and Senior panellist Seán Loftus is the launch pad of their team and our puck-out strategy will be important to bypass this solid unit.
Jack Grealish at midfield and Brian Concannon are players ready to step up to the next level, and overall they will enter the game as favourites.
They deserved their victory over the Cats but had the game gone on for another minute or two things were getting very shaky.
Wexford for their part are no slouches either and, with our Senior panellists blending in nicely, secured something that has become increasingly difficult in recent years - an under-age victory over Dublin in Parnell Park.
We struggled in the first-half but our second 30 minutes was as good as seen at this grade for a few years, with the three-point victory margin flattering Dublin slightly.
Although we haven’t been successful in Minor, this grade has been very kind to us of late, proving a match for anybody and a launch pad for our Senior success of late.
Joe O’Connor was star of the show last day out and with cousin Rory, Stephen O’Gorman and the ever-impressive Seamus Casey up front, they can cause problems for the strong Galway defence.
Darren Byrne, Damien and Shane Reck, and Rowan White are accomplished hurlers, while Ian Carty mans the central space excellently.
If Aaron Maddock and Conor Firman can overcome their injuries, it will be a huge boost in taking this game to the wire.
Let there be no doubts however that Galway as ever are a huge test and, given their impressive form in the semi, must be ranked as favourites.
Wexford are in a good place with a much better record at this grade in Leinster (only joking), and I am expecting a cracking game with both counties afforded the net fall of an All-Ireland semi regardless of the result.
We have had many great Under-21 days over the past few years, and I reiterate my disappointment at the tampering with this competition and the stupidity of prohibiting Senior players in football from playing at their own grade.
Good luck to the lads, and up Wexford.