Champions didn’t forget key stalwarts on emotional day

THIS WEEKEND could see the history of Wexford G.A.A. re-written as it’s 17 years since the historic Senior double was last completed. St. Martin’s, following their hurling final victory over Oulart-The Ballagh, have been presented with an opportunity of matching that memorable feat of neighbours St. Anne’s. For many it’s a story that seems a relatively straightforward one, but St. Martin’s will afford Enniscorthy Starlights, Sunday’s football final opponents, the respect they deserve.

When one recalls 2017 it will be accepted that it has already been an historic year for the St. Martin’s club given their achievements on the playing fields in hurling, football, camogie and ladies’ football, but for club members the season is by no means complete.

For St. Martin’s that’s a good thing as they will relish their showdown with Starlights, while they will also be casting an eye towards the Leinster Club hurling championship. It may be a long and daunting season for everyone involved but the professional back-up and expert preparation between games is what the players are thriving on.

And in the week that’s in it, it’s very much to the forefront of the thinking of every St. Martin’s player, and every supporter too, with an intense focus on delivering another massive display to enable them take their place in history.

St. Martin’s have waited a long time to bring the Dr. Bowe Cup back to the parish of Piercestown. Their years may have been littered with disappointments but they continued to build at under-age level and this was there for all to see on Sunday.

A young side, with a sprinkling of experience, has given hope of a new era for Wexford hurling, particularly when two of the substitutes deployed during the game are still Minors. This is a team littered with players for the future, a team that now stands on the brink of double glory.

But while the players met the challenge on the field, the club is also facing many obstacles off the pitch. Even in their moment of joy the players did not forget people who have made such a contribution to the club down through the years, and who have guided them through under-age to the pinnacle of the game.

The players soldiered together to greet their long-time physio Chris Culleton who is battling cancer. The players grouped together in a special moment as Chris visited the dressing-room, being presented with the cup for a group team photograph. It was a heartening an emotional gesture to a man who acted as their physio for some 20-odd years.

As well there was the presence of Sheamus Howlin who has served the club both as player and officer, and who is also battling illness. Sheamus has gone on to represent the county with pride at provincial and national levels, so it was heartening to see him enjoy the emotions of such a great occasion for the club.

It’s been a difficult time in so many ways for the club, as the players also took in a visit to long-serving Secretary, Jack Roche, who is convalescing at home. While it was a joyous day for the club, it was also an emotional one too but one which showed St. Martin’s and the G.A.A. up in such a positive light.

Family has been part of the G.A.A. ethos ever since its inception, and this was borne out by the St. Martin’s club. This year saw twins Tomás Codd and Máire O’Connor manage the club to Senior hurling and Senior camogie success, while the team was sprinkled with players whose fathers have made such huge contributions to Wexford hurling and football.

It was so fulfilling to see that Wexford warrior of old, George O’Connor, hold the Dr. Bowe Cup with his son, Barry. A lot of family links were evident right across the team which is one of the strengths of the G.A.A.

Congratulations to St. Martin’s, while best of luck to the club and Starlights in next Sunday’s Senior football final. Also a word of congratulations to Craanford on winning the Under-21 hurling Roinn 1 title with a classic replay victory over Cloughbawn.

Wexford followers may be hungry for success on the playing fields so it was disappointing to see just 5,400 attend on Sunday.

And given the importance of such an occasion it was unacceptable to see no address from the County Chairman in the match-day programme.