Wexford,Limerick moving on up

THE devastating form shown by Limerick and Wexford in the Allianz NFL — and the promotions gained as a result — have sent ripples of surprise throughout the footballing world.

But there are two men who do not share the sense of amazement which has greeted the achievements in these predominantly hurling strongholds.

Indeed, respective managers Liam Kerins and Dom Twomey have come to expect as much, after working steadily to build their forces beyond their perceived status of minnows.

Monaghan native Twomey arrived in the Model County after a stint with Dublin. He always knew of the southeastern footballing tradition. He merely exploited it.

“In recent years Wexford footballers have been very close to winning promotion to the higher grade. Last year they won their first five league games, but lost out on promotion after losing the last two,” Twomey explains.

“The situation was similar this year in that we won our first five games, lost to Derry but recovered to win our last game, which has resulted in promotion to the higher division.”

Twomey added: “Since September, the players have done everything that has been asked of them, and that includes a number of dual players, which can be very difficult for the individuals involved. I have a great relationship with hurling manager John Conran and we ensure dual players Rory Mallon, Tomas Mahon and Paul Carley are not overworked.

“There was tremendous joy in the dressingroom after we had qualified and I was particularly delighted for players like John Hegarty, Leigh O’Brien and Mattie Forde, who have been great servants of Wexford football over the years, with little reward.”

There was similar joy on Shannonside, as Liam Kerins continued his good work. “It’s been a while coming, four years in fact, but well worth the wait,” said Kerins. “The U-21 success in the first year was the platform from which the present team has sprung.

“I don’t wish to downgrade any of the other teams, but we won our promotion the Sunday we beat Louth in Drogheda. It was always going to be the most difficult game for us, and we did it in style last Sunday by inflicting a heavy defeat on Wicklow.

“Whatever happens from here on in the league will be a bonus, but all our thoughts will now turn to the championship game with Cork.

“I’d have a preference for that game to be played on May 25, the original date, because if we did manage to beat Wexford in the league semi-final, we’d have another very competitive match ahead of the championship, something our opponents won’t have.”

Because of dual involvement issues, the Limerick County Board had requested the game be brought forward to May 11. Cork readily agreed, provided they were not involved in the Allianz League final themselves.

However the Munster Council were opposed to the change, as it was one of the games which had been pencilled in for live television coverage, so a change of date would mean a loss of revenue. A final decision is awaited.