Usual anticipation replaced by apathy in uncertain start
THE 2018 football championships began with a bit of a whimper last weekend, mainly due to the uncertainty around whether or not the games would actually go ahead. Normal anticipation was replaced by a good bit of apathy as players and clubs half expected a raft of postponements, just as league games and even training sessions had been called off over the last few weeks.
Horrendous weather has severely hampered clubs’ preparations and almost made a mockery of the G.A.A’s attempt at making April a club-friendly month.
Incidentally, it came to light during the last week or two that almost 20counties will not be playing any club championships during April, instead deferring their games until later in the year.
It makes you wonder why such a major campaign was generated to get the proposal voted through, why so many counties voted overwhelmingly for it, and then why so many failed to implement the plan.
It suggests to me a large amount of hypocrisy and just a way of trying to pacify the club players for the time being.
Last weekend Wexford County Board, to their credit, tried to get as many games as possible played, despite the unavailability of most club grounds around the county.
In Senior, Starlights got their defence off to a perfect start with an eight-point win over Gusserane.
In the same group, Glynn-Barntown and Shelmaliers also had the ideal start to the campaign.
In Group A, Kilanerin made the perfect return to the Senior ranks with an impressive win over Sarsfields, as they try to emulate their club team of 25 years ago by winning a Senior title immediately after gaining promotion.
St. Martin’s and Castletown also picked up two points as expected in their respective ties.
Intermediate will again be the most competitive grade this year, with the pick of the results being the Duffry’s draw against their local rivals Bunclody, Ferns’ victory over St. Fintan’s, and Crossabeg-Ballymurn’s debut win after being promoted.
We can only hope that the weather steadily improves and the championships roll on, until part one of the season is completed, club players go in to cold storage, and club teams try to keep players interested.
CONGRATS TO NORTH END
Congratulations to North End on their big win against favourites St. Michael’s in the FAI Cup semi-final last weekend.
The players have done it the hard way by beating a host of top clubs to get to this stage, mostly away from home.
A special word of mention must go to their manager, the irrepressible John Godkin, or ‘Goggy’ as he is better known.
‘Goggy’ has been manager of the first team for about 125 years, even when I was still playing, and has guided the club to numerous league and cup titles.
He is the most successful club manager in the history of Wexford soccer and has also coached the Wexford county team to All-Ireland glory in the Oscar Traynor competition.
His passion and commitment have to be admired and I know this competition is the Holy Grail to him and the club.
A very talented New Ross Celtic won this competition 24 years ago, managed by Pat Ronan, a man with similar attributes and a long list of achievements, and nothing would please ‘Goggy’ more than to emulate their long-time rivals.
Let’s hope the players stay fit and healthy for what promises to be an historic and special day for the Wexford town club.
Their final against Pike Rovers from Limerick will be held in the Aviva Stadium on May 12, and they will carry the good wishes of the entire Wexford soccer community.