Victory over Armagh would be a tonic for Wicklow

THE news that Wicklow’s Kehoe Cup final against Longford was called off due to the bad weather last weekend was disappointing to say the least for hurling supporters but perhaps it might have been a blessing in another way ahead of the league getting underway this Sunday against Armagh in Bray at 12.30pm.

Had Wicklow been allowed to travel to Pearse Park with their full squad then a similarly sizeable victory to the one enjoyed by Seamus Murphy’s charges in Kilcoole against the same opposition the previsou week could have been expected.

However, with Longford complaining about Wicklow using some of the players who had played against Wexford in the Walsh Cup, Leinster Council decided that none of the match day panel from the Wexford clash could be used which mean that Wicklow would have had to field a similar team that defeated Louth.

Longford dispatched St Pat’s/ DCU in their last clash to secure a spot in the final thanks to a fairly comprehensive victory, with the students tagging on a few scores late on to take the bad look of proceedings. It is believed that the Longford team were far stronger than the one that fielded in Kilcoole so the extra hurling the Wicklow players can get in the coming league games ahead of that refixed Kehoe Cup final could be invaluable in terms of securing victory.

Seamus Murphy’s men should emerge from Bray with a victory over Armagh on Sunday. With Andy and George O’Brien leading the attack and Warren Kavanagh and Martin O’Brien at the back and plenty of talent in between, Wicklow should have too much for the Orchard County.

The second test against Down on February 4 in Ballycran will be a tougher encounter with the Down men always relishing a challenge against Wicklow on their own turf.

The visit of Donegal on Feb- ruary 18 to Joule Park, Aughrim, should give Seamus Murphy’s side another victory with the extra hurling and the possible return f players from injury giving Wicklow an edge over an always gallant Donegal.

It’s a long voyage on February 28 when Wicklow hit the road to Castlebar. The Garden County could be in a very strong position by then, all going well, but you get nothing easy in McHale Park.

And then what could be the cruncher; Derry in Aughrim on March 4. Derry hurling is never a million miles away from Wicklow but the home venue should serve Wicklow well providing all things go well in the meantime.