REMEMBERING GLORIOUS 1968

THE greatest year in Wexford GAA history was recalled at County Hall when Wexford County Council gave a civic reception to the county’s 1968 all-Ireland title winning senior hurling, camogie and minor hurling teams to mark the 50th anniversary of their remarkable achievements.

The event, which took place before a capacity crowd of family members and relatives, was hosted by the Chairperson of the local authority, Cllr Keith Doyle, and compered by senior engineer and sports commentator Gerry Forde.

It was only the second time that the three victorious teams were gathered together in the one venue since they created history 50 years ago.

Cllr Doyle highlighted that fact when he addressed the event and said it was an ‘ultra rare’ achievement and something that will be forever etched in the annals of Wexford sporting history.

‘ The teams had a massive influence on the county and it’s very rare to have as many all-Ireland champions in the one room at the one time, and from the one year,’ he told the reception.

As part of his role Mr Forde interviewed the team captains and that was a highlight of the event as they fondly recalled what it meant for them and their colleagues at the time.

They also spoke of the affect the reception they received from people in the county had on them when they returned home in the wake of their famous victories.

The hurling team members were each presented with specially commissioned pens to mark the event while the camogie players were given scarves specially created in the Wexford colours.

The captains were also presented with specially commissioned sculpted art glass pieces placed on wooden plinths created as a montage of the county colours.

The Chairperson of Wexford County Board, Derek Kent, was in attendance and he congratulated everyone involved with the three teams on their remarkable feat in securing three all-Ireland titles.

It was a feat that might never be repeated.

Mr Kent said the teams created a legacy that inspired every player who came after them.

During the reception footage was shown of the players in action at the time along with photos from 1968.

There was a poignant moment at the beginning of the event when a minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect to players and mentors who had passed away.

Speaking to this newspaper about the event Cllr Doyle said the reception wasn’t on behalf of the local authority but on behalf of everyone in the county.

‘I am the Chairperson of the County Council but I was acting on behalf of the people of Wexford because this was for them to honour the three teams in the highest way possible that can be done through the County Council,’ said Cllr Doyle.

The tasteful reception was a fitting tribute to a remarkable group of players whose achievements in a single year might never be repeated.

The Wexford Minor hurling team who claimed All-Ireland victory in 1968.

Members of the Senior Camogie team of 1968 at the civic reception in County Buildings with the chairman of Wexford County Council. Keith Doyle.

The Wexford Senior Hurling team, All-Ireland winners in 1968.

The 1968 All-Ireland winning Wexford Senior Camogie team.

Members of the Minor Hurling team who won the All Ireland in 1968, pictured at the civic reception with Cllr Keith Doyle, chairman of Wexford County Council.

County Council chairman Keith Doyle at the civic reception with members of the victorious Senior Hurling team who won the All Ireland in 1968.

The team captains from 1968 – Dan Quigley, Theresa Kehoe (for Mary Walsh) and Tom Byrne – with Council chairman Keith Doyle.