Waters is back!
But Curtis withdraws from squad
WEXFORD SENIOR footballers have been boosted by the return of midfielder Daithí Waters.
Waters, who took an extendeed break following a lengthy club campaign, rejoined the squad for training last week.
The St. Martin’s clubman has been one of the most influential players in the side over recent seasons, having even played through the pain barrier on occasions.
His value to the team is such that last year, for the Laois championship opener, the experienced Waters had to have a pain-killing injection in a knee injury to enable him take his place.
Such was the extent of the injury, that manager Paul McLoughlin said afterwards: ‘As we were doing the warm-ups we did not know even at that stage if he would be able to take his place.’
Describing Waters as a warrior and someone owing nothing to Wexford football, McLoughlin welcomes his return, particularly with a stern challenge facing his side away to Leitrim in the Allianz League Division 4 opener.
With Wexford starting their cam- paign on the lowest rung of the ladder, having been relegated last season, it was not all good news for McLoughlin.
The Wexford manager announced last week that attacker Paul Curtis has left the squad.
‘Work and home commitments led to Paul’s decision to leave the panel,’ McLoughlin said.
‘He had to make a decision to leave the panel as he was coming under a lot of pressure timewise. It’s a pity as obviously he will be a loss.’
Curtis figured in the three O’Byrne Cup games, showing up impressively in the full-forward line where his speed and ability to win possession proved so crucial.
This is a big season for Wexford football as they strive to make an immediate return from Division 4. However, they face what will be a difficult campaign, with such sides as Leitrim, Antrim and Derry included in what is a most competitive lower division.
However, the return of the experienced duo of Waters along with Brian Malone should prove an additional boost after quite an impressive O’Byrne Cup campaign, with the Shelmaliers defender figuring in that final round defeat to Meath.