U-21 tournament

WEXFORD WILL be participating once again in the annual Under-21 football tournament organised by Laois County Board in memory of the late Peter McNulty who died in tragic circumstances after representing the O’Moore men with distinction at all levels.

There will be two groups of four in the competition, with the top two in each entering the cup semi-finals, and the bottom two featuring in the penultimate round of the shield.

As a result, Wexford will be guaranteed at least three games at an important time of year as they fine-tune preparations for the Leinster championship.

Action in the tournament will get under way on Friday, January 6 (or that weekend by agreement) when the Slaneysiders are due to host Kildare in Group B at 7.45 p.m.

Next up on Saturday, January 14, will be a trip away to take on Limerick at 2 p.m., and the initial stage will draw to a conclusion seven days later with a clash at home to Clare.

The organisers have suggested that midway neutral venues might be used instead if the competing counties can arrive at a suitable agreement.

The cup and shield semi-finals are down for decision on Wednesday, January 25, with both deciders due to go ahead on Sunday, January 29.

The other group features Tipperary, Carlow, Galway and host county Laois.

Wexford’s first championship game at Under-21 level will be away to the Barrowsiders and, if they manage to overcome that hurdle, they will be at home to Offaly in the quarter-final.

There would also be a Wexford venue for the semi-final in the event of qualifying to face either Laois, Wicklow or Louth.