The Minor Premier hurling final will set the stand of Wexford Park rocking with intensity as both Naomh Éanna and Rapparees have a lot to fight for.
The Gorey town side have had a remarkable season with Feile and Intermediate A successes, to name but a few,and they will seek even more glory on Sunday. 1981 was the last time they sought the title of Minor champions. The Rapp’s will be determined to “right a wrong” as they approach fresh from defeat in the football final on Sunday last. The Enda’s are a classy side with the defensive pillar of Eoin Conroy and forwards with flair like Fergal Bolger, Gearóid Cullen, Conor McDonald and David Kennedy.
For the Enniscorthy side, well they have a fountain of underage talent. Darragh Pepper, Kevin Foley and Liam Ryan exploit the weaknesses of any exposed defence. This prediction is a difficult one; giving this top tipster a headache and heartache. Naomh Eanna were phenomenal in victory over Crossabeg in the semi final while the Rapparee’s sneaked past St Martin’s. For Gorey’s momentum, the title could be drifting north of Vinegar Hill by a single point but a draw would not be a huge surprise.
The Pettitt’s Senior Hurling Championship final climaxes with the battle of Oulart the Ballagh and Faythe Harriers. The Wexford town men are led into their challenge by workhorse Jim Berry. Paul Lambert, Kevin Gore and Shane Howard attack with speed. The Harrier’s future potential is modelled by the magnificent County star Rhys Clarke. A comprehensive victory over the Shelmaliers raised them to this weekend’s final. The men of Pairc Charman are seeking their first SHC title success since 2001. It’s hard to sum up the team that has ruled club hurling in Wexford since the turn of the century. The attackers like Garrett Sinnott, Nicky Kirwan and Conor Goff are a nightmare for any defensive structures while Darren Stamp and Keith Rossiter maintain a solid defence line up. Oulart’s irreplaceable experience gives them the title of favourites but still the Faythe Harriers will relish the title of underdogs. Despite needing extra time to overcome Ferns in the quarter final, it’s likely that Oulart will complete their aim of four titles in a row. This victory is sure to be one worth noting as the red and black men potentially join Buffers Alley and Rathnure as the only clubs to have sealed four championship titles in a row. An exhibition of skilful of hurling is a guarantee.
A statistic worth noting is that back in 1981, both Naomh Eanna and Faythe Harriers contested and won the Minor and Senior finals respectively. Who’s to say that history is bound to repeat itself? Championship of 2012 was an absolute cracker and these four teams were well destined as they summarise the great quality of hurling that is held across the model county. Remember today folks, The Yella Bellies aren’t dead yet!
