Ball McEnaney’s first target achieved as Wexford rise again

T WAS Cheltenham week so the G.A.A. was in a background role through midweek as punters became enthralled in the sport of Kings. But while all of this was happening over in the Cotswolds, there is another sporting passion too closer to home: Gaelic football.

One of the most extraordinary National Leagues ever is taking place, with games taking on a real championship edge as was seen on television over the weekend. And the impact has been quite engrossing.

There is no back door in the league as its winner take, and in the midst of all this hype Seamus McEnaney has been masterminding Wexford’s promotion from Division 4 at his very first attempt, maintaining his side’s one hundred per cent record with last Sunday’s victory over London.

Think back to last year and the dark days of Wexford failing to secure promotion back to Division 3, followed by a dismal championship campaign. In contrast, McEnaney has achieved his initial goal of promotion with two rounds still to play.

Irrespective of the results, he can now look forward to a Divison 4 final, most likely with Westmeath, last year’s beaten Leinster finalists. Indeed, we will have an appetiser for this expected clash when the two counties meet at Innovate Wexford Park on Sunday afternoon, part of an attractive double-header, as Wexford also meet Laois in hurling.

When was the last occasion that Wexford supporters welcomed two sides, already with promotion secured, which all adds to the significance of the day? Let’s hope the days of humiliation are over, with Wexford no longer cast adrift in the lower reaches of the National League.

This is an opportunity for supporters to recognise the feats of both sides by turning up to give them a real winning welcome.

And it’s worth remembering that when Seamus McEnaney was appointed manager, his initial goal was to lift Wexford out of Division 4 football. Now promotion is certain, but given the nature of the new manager he will still only be satisfied with victory over both Westmeath and Carlow in their two remaining group games.

McEnaney has extensive experience of the biggest days from his time working with his native Monaghan, and later Meath. He’s always had a reputation as an enlightened manager, something that has been very evident right through the league campaign.

He has with him on the sideline former Wexford star defender David Murphy, who is bringing his extensive knowledge of local football to the side, while coach/trainer Martin McElkennon has the players in superb physical condition while also performing to a plan which plays to the strengths of individual players.

They are producing talented young footballers and in each of their games this quality backed up with experience is serving the side well. While one can expect setbacks along the way, those closely watching Division 4 football maintain Wexford has been the most impressive side.

Now the key question: can they go further, maintain their one hundred per cent record and lift the Division 4 title? This would be a real boost for more difficult days ahead.

Making Wexford winners again is the great challenge that McEnaney and his backroom team is embracing. There is a lot of talent in both Wexford hurling and football. Right now the respective managers have created a culture of winning.

Elsewhere, Wexford players are linking up with the recently former Club Players’ Association (CPA). There are many pressing issues for the ordinary club players, particularly fixtures. Issues regarding inter-county players are taken under the wing of the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA).

And there are already hints that the GPA could become involved in one of the most high-profile transfers in Wexford for many years, the proposed move of Ben Brosnan from Bannow-Ballymitty to Castletown.

After having has his transfer rejected by a high-powered committee of some 14 personnel, some serious questions are now being posed.

Now the matter is likely to be taken to the GRA by both club and player. Common sense should prevail, and grant the player his wish, to play Senior football with Castletown