Fanning urges Wexford to drive on after departures

PODGE DORAN is among a number of Wexford hurlers who are not in a position to commit to next season as the county seeks to improve on a promising 2017.

Doran and squad members Andrew Kenny and Gary Moore, Leinster U-21 winners in the past, have joined James Breen in opting out as Wexford prepare for an Allianz Division 1A campaign.

Goalkeeper Mark Fanning admitted his “surprise” at their departure when speaking at yesterday’s Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup draw where was representing Waterford IT.

“Any lad who steps away, I suppose you’re surprised after the year we’ve had. You’d be hoping that everyone would be chomping at the bit to come back.

“Those lads probably didn’t get as much game-time last year as they’d have liked, which I suppose is the reason but I don’t know. It’s disappointing because they’re all good hurlers and would add to it.

CONTINGENT

“They’re a loss but we’re getting in good young players and the St Martin’s contingent, who won the county title, we’ve a strong representation from them. They’re all good lads and we can kick on from here.”

Fanning admitted the number of sessions they committed to last year would not be sustainable long term but praised their variety under Davy Fitzgerald.

“It’s not all physical stuff, two-hour sessions. It’s not sustainable to do that sort of stuff long term. In fairness to Davy, he’s clued in, on the ball and very shrewd. You go training one night and it’s a bit more physical than it might be the next night. Another night it might be all tactics. From that end, it’s not too bad as long as it’s not kamikaze stuff and getting flogged every night. That wouldn’t be sustainable.”