The day Fr. Martin faced the Kingdom

OUR GROUP sports editor, Alan Aherne, continues his look back at non-Wexford natives who represented the county in hurling on page 44 of this edition. His ‘On The Line’ column this week is devoted to the career of Fr. Martin Casey, the native of Causeway in Kerry, who gave distinguished service in the purple and gold jersey in the Minor, Under-21 and Senior grades from 1967 to 1983.

He played 82 games at the highest level, and one suspects that the match that took place on November 4, 1979, may have held a special place in his heart.

It was a non-descript tie in many ways, an opening round clash in Division 1B of the National League, held in Ardfert.

However, it was the one and only time that Fr. Martin played against his native Kerry, with Wexford winning the game on an unusual 2-7 to 0-2 scoreline.

For the record, the full line-out on that day more than 40 years ago was: Henry Butler; Pat Boggan, Cormac Quinn, Jimmy Prendergast; Mick Butler, Mick Jacob, Colm Doran; John Fleming, Paudge Courtney; Johnny Murphy, Fr. Martin Casey, Seánie Kinsella; Declan Rowsome, Tony Doran, Brendan O’Connor. Sub. - James O’Connor for Murphy, inj.

Interestingly, Fr. Martin was one of just two ‘outsiders’ to play hurling with Wexford throughout the 1970s.

The other man only made two appearances off the bench in the same campaign, but he certainly caused a considerable stir at the time.

Do you know who we’re talking about? All will be revealed in the ‘On The Line’ column next week!