BANTY EXPECTS BIG TEST
Footballers start league against form team Limerick
WEXFORD’S SENIOR footballers swing into action in the Allianz League when they entertain Limerick in their Division 4 opener at Innovate Wexford Park on Sunday (2 p.m.).
While the league has now become a barometer as to where a county’s championship prospects lie, Wexford for their part will solely be concentrating on winning promotion back to Division 3 after last year’s disappointment.
With the O’Byrne Cup behind them, this will be the first competitive outing in charge for new manager Seamus McEnaney, and a real difficult one it is, given Limerick’s form in the McGrath Cup.
Wexford will be without the services of the injured Donal Shanley, Michael O’Regan and Adrian Flynn, who will miss the opening two games. However, on a positive note, Michael Furlong has recovered from injury and is available for selection.
Experienced midfielder Daithí Waters will captain the team this year, and his leadership should be of huge benefit, while Ben Brosnan is the vice-captain.
While Wexford realise the importance of winning home games, manager McEnaney is under no illusions regarding the challenge facing his side.
Having put quite a positive O’Byrne Cup campaign behind him in which he utilised his full panel of players, McEnaney is looking forward to the opening league outing.
‘I was very happy with the O’Byrne Cup. Through the three games I saw up to 33/34 players, with the entire squad given game time.
‘As far as I’m concerned the O’Byrne Cup was quite pleasing as I could not have asked for better preparation for the league. We used the competition to see the players and give them game time, to go along with our in-house games, to finalise our panel.
‘Apart from the players mentioned, we will have the remainder available for selection.
‘The injured three should be back in about three weeks as Adrian Flynn’s injury is not as bad as first feared.’
Looking ahead to the Limerick challenge, McEnaney realises exactly what is needed to achieve a result.
‘Limerick are going to be difficult. I went down to watch their game with Kerry and was very impressed. I was very impressed with the pace of their forward line, while their defending was also very good.
‘While home games are very important for us, this is the real deal, what we have prepared for. Since I came in the squad has put in a huge effort.
‘They have trained extremely well, and their attitude is top class, so we are well prepared.’
But according to McEnaney it’s going to take an extra special effort from Wexford to fashion a result.
‘I’m confident that I will get a performance. It’s going to take a massive performance for Wexford to get a result, but should we get that performance anything can happen. It will be difficult but we are well prepared to meet the challenge.’