Several teams call time on Wexford Football League campaign
THE WEXFORD Football League season resumes on July 18/19, but a number of teams won’t be taking part, having called time on their campaigns.
Leaders Fethard Rangers pulled out of Division 3A, while Rathnure United, who were well in the mix in that division, eight points behind the pacesetters with three games in hand, also withdrew.
While Fethard may have been in with a shout of landing silverware, they said they would have been unable to continue, due to a number of players wishing to concentrate on GAA, as a well as a few who were reluctant to return due to Covid-19.
Rathnure say the main reason that they decided not to resume was because many of their members believe it’s too soon to return and would have preferred the season to have been scrapped, with everything starting from scratch next term.
Elsewhere, Rosslare Port (Division 2), Bree United and Cushinstown (Division 3), Carne FC and Bridge Rovers (Division 4), The Ballagh United, Enniscorthy Town, Curracloe United and Castledockrell (Division 4A), have also withdrawn.
In the Youths section, Gorey Rangers have withdrawn from the Premier Division, while Glynn Barntown ‘B’ and Taghmon
United have both ended their participation in Division 3.
The majority of teams cited a clash with Gaelic games, that would have left them struggling for numbers, as the main stumbling block, while the reason for The Ballagh United’s decision was two-fold: GAA commitments and also not having access to a pitch during the summer months.
Bree United also said they have players working in health care settings and some with family members in high-risk categories, so they believe it would be safer to return in October, if the new season kicks off then.
Midweek fixtures were a major issue for Rosslare Port, as a number of players would be unavailable, while some members were also nervous about returning due to Covid-19.
Curracloe United ‘B’ were sitting safely in mid-table in Division 4A with three games remaining and weren’t keen to return after a long lay-off with nothing to play for.
The seasiders wanted to ensure that they had enough players for their ‘A’ and Youth teams to complete their seasons without putting the pressure on those players to fulfil ‘B’ team fixtures as well.
Also a number of their members work outside of Wexford and wouldn’t be available for midweek games, while others were reluctant to come back because of living or working with people with underlying health conditions.
Incidentally, Curracloe United ‘B’ still managed to pick up two points without kicking a ball, as two of the three teams that they were due to play, The Ballagh and Enniscorthy Town, also pulled out.
Bridge Rovers ‘B’ found themselves in a similar situation, with some players not yet comfortable with a return, and they also want to ensure they have enough players for the ‘A’ team who are battling to retain their place in Division 1.