Harriers have plans

Changes to top table at club’s AGM

THE FAYTHE Harriers Hurling and Camogie Club held their belated AGM recently, convened remotely in accordance with the Covid-restricted landscape.

Despite current circumstances, the mood at the meeting was hugely positive. Those present expressed sincere gratitude to the outgoing club Secretary Pat Henebery, Treasurer Richard Murphy, and County Board representative Brian Gordon, for their long years of service.

The incoming Secretary Andy Doyle, Treasurer Mick Fortune, and County Board representative Anthony Neville, were all warmly welcomed and offered every help and assistance in their new roles.

The meeting also heard about improvements in preparation and performance of the adult hurlers, a very good year on the adult camogie front, and how the under-age section of the club is going from strength to strength, with the Under-13 boys into a county final which remains to be played post-lockdown.

Club membership has exploded, from 120 registered members in 2012 to 471 registered members by the end of 2020. This includes 341 members from age 18 down to age four, 87 of whom are female, underscoring the great work happening in the under-age section and the growing appeal of camogie in Wexford town.

2020 was also a very significant year on the development front.

The success of WinTheHouse gave the club a much-needed capital injection to fund the ambitious development plan that is currently being rolled out.

The LEADER-funded walking track is near complete and open for use. LEADER funding has also been secured for the completion of the community centre/clubhouse.

Works will commence on this as soon as current construction sector restrictions are relaxed. Works to construct the adjoining car park are also planned to take place in 2021.

Further planned improvements including a new sports wall, children’s play area, adult outdoor gym areas, lighting to the public walking track and other features were also presented.

All in all, it was a very successful year in the development of the Faythe Harriers. The meeting concluded with the ubiquitous ‘Up the Harriers!!’ from the club Chairman, Nicky Keeling.

Faythe Harriers will be marking the 40th anniversary of their dramatic last-minute Co. Senior hurling final win over Buffers Alley in 1981 later this year. The above photograph, taken by George Hatchell, is of the team that went on to beat St. Vincent’s from Dublin by 1-14 to 0-12 in the Leinster Club championship clash inWexford Park on November 14, 1981. Back (from left): George O’Connor (R.I.P.), Tommy Hynes, Con Dowdall, Ned Buggy, Jimmy Goodison, Brendan Murphy, John ‘Stella’ Walker (capt.), Seamus O’Connor, Tony ‘Sack’Walsh. Front (from left): Paddy O’Gorman, Marty O’Connor, Willie Carley, Liam Bennett (R.I.P.), Eddie ‘Heffo’ Walsh, Myles O’Connor.

Photograph: George Hatchell. The Faythe Harriers celebrations after their Senior hurling final victory in 1981. Back (from left): Marty O’Connor, Myles O’Connor, Ned Buggy, Seamus O’Connor, Tony ‘Sack’ Walsh. Middle (from left): George O’Connor (R.I.P.), Nicky Keeling, Con Dowdall, Billy Walsh, Tommy Hynes, Jimmy Goodison, Brendan Murphy, Fr. Hugh O’Byrne (R.I.P.), Brendan Browne (R.I.P.), Billy Keeling, Paud Browne. Front (from left): Eddie ‘Heffo’ Walsh, Liam Bennett (R.I.P.), Willie Carley, John ‘Stella’ Walker (R.I.P.), Bishop Donal Herlihy (R.I.P.), Mayor of Wexford Noel Murphy (R.I.P.), Nicky Murphy, Willie Murphy, Paddy O’Gorman, Joe Keeling.