McGrath on move
Ex-Waterford boss to help Harriers
HIGH-PROFILE managers will be prominent on the Wexford club scene in 2020.
The latest well-known name to emerge on the domestic front is that of former Waterford manager, Derek McGrath, who has decided to link up with the Faythe Harriers Senior hurling backroom team.
McGrath, who lit up the role of manager following his high-profile term at the helm in his native Waterford, introducing the sweeper system to the county’s style, will now be seeking to bring the Wexford town club to a higher and more consistent level.
He will be joined in the backroom team by former players Tony ‘Sack’ Walsh (manager), the ex-Wexford full-back, and David Mooney, with one other addition subject to ratification.
As some clubs continue their search for managers, former Wexford football boss, Jason Ryan, returns to the county, following a spell with Taghmon-Camross, as Glynn-Barntown Senior hurling manager, while Liam Dunne continues on for a second term in charge of his native Oulart-The Ballagh.
As the clubs face up to the many challenges ahead, the reigning county Senior hurling champions, St. Martin’s, have set out their stall regarding their 2020 intentions with the appointment of former Cork manager, John Meyler, who will head up their Senior hurling team.
Meyler, who stepped aside as Cork manager following the 2019 championship campaign, is returning to home soil.
A native of Our Lady’s Island, he also had a spell as Wexford Senior hurling manager.
He played both codes for the county, winning a county Senior football medal with Wexford District in 1977, and later captaining St. Finbarr’s (Cork) to an All-Ireland club Senior football title.
Former Rathnure player, Martin
Byrne, who has enjoyed a role as Carlow Senior hurling coach, will this year take on a similar position with Shelmaliers in Senior hurling, while Joe Kearns remains on with last year’s beaten finalists, St. Anne’s.
Up north Wexford way, Louis Cullen and Willie Cleary will take on another season as they try to guide Naomh Eanna towards regaining the Senior hurling title captured for the first time in 2018.
On the football front, Timmy Walsh continues with the reigning champions, Castletown, while former Wexford manager, Paul McLoughlin, has been appointed to the same role by Sarsfields.
Glynn-Barntown will have former Horeswood player, Darren O’Reilly, at the helm, having done well in a similar capacity with Kilrossanty in Waterford, while his long-time team-mate, Leigh O’Brien, remains in charge of their home club.
Meanwhile, Colm Murphy is in charge of St. James’ for 2020.