Monaghan hurler’s strong Duffry links
WEXFORD DOESN’T have a direct involvement in next weekend’s AIB All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior Club semi-finals, unlike last year when Fethard forged a memorable win whereas Kilanerin were denied a place in Croke Park.
However, G.A.A. folk in Duffry Rovers country will have a particularly keen interest in the
Junior hurling clash in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, on Sunday between Castleblayney
Faughs from Monaghan and
Carrick of Leitrim.
That’s because the Ulster side’s star forward and leading marksman is Fergal Rafter, a nephew of Joan, the Duffry’s long-serving Secretary
(24 years and counting), and
Louis, one of the most stylish midfielders ever to wear the
Wexford football jersey.
Fergal’s father, Martin, played under-age with the Enniscorthy District club, and after moving to Castleblayney he lined out with their Senior hurlers and also featured briefly with Monaghan.
Fergal was named the Farney county’s Senior hurler of the year at the end of 2018 for the second time, and he has been nominated for the Ulster Sportswriters’ Ulster hurler of the year accolade.
He was an ever-present in the National League and Nickey Rackard Cups with Monaghan, contributing 0-70 in nine games.
On the club scene, he was a key man in Castleblayney’s march to the county and Ulster championship titles, racking up 4-35 in just four games. His performances saw him recognised with his second ‘Gaelic Life’ Ulster Club All Star award.
Hopefully Fergal and company will set up a dream Croke Park final date with either Dunnamaggin (Kilkenny) or Cloughduv (Cork).
And isn’t it wonderful to see teams from Monaghan and Leitrim battling it out with such a big hurling prize at stake? It offers further proof that extending the club championships to the Junior and Intermediate grades was one of the best things the G.A.A. has ever done.