Wexford on guard as Antrim lie in ambush

YOU couldn’t describe it as anything other than a sensation, the day 14 years ago that Antrim hurlers sent Offaly crashing out of the championship in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Even the scoreline, 4-15 to 1-15, was remarkable. Aidan McCarry inspired them with an early goal from a penalty and helped finish the Midlanders off with another, and one from Olcan McFetridge, late on.

Twelve months ago, under the astute direction of former Tipperary minor coach Dinny Cahill, Antrim came close to pulling off another shock. They may have lost by 10 points but they had been two points in front at half-time and were in contention until very late in the game when a goal from substitute Eugene O'Neill inspired a strong Tipperary finish.

With Cahill still in charge, Antrim return to Croke Park tomorrow as Ulster champions for the Guinness All-Ireland hurling quarter-final, to face a Wexford team which surprised Waterford in Nowlan Park a week ago. And, it's fair to say they have even higher expectations after their escapade last year.

Wexford were a big disappointment on their last appearance in Croke Park, for the Leinster final. And against Offaly in the semi-final at Nowlan Park they only hurled for the second half. Supporters may already be thinking in terms of a meeting with Cork on August 10 but the Wexford management are much more cautious. They have only to reflect back to last weekend, when their lowly rating gave them a powerful incentive to succeed.

"We thought we had a great chance against Waterford but we knew we'd have to up our performance from the Kilkenny game," says Dickie Murphy who has managed to fit in two high-profile refereeing appointments with his new responsibilities as a selector with John Conran and Martin Quigley. "Some of the papers didn't think we had a chance and we used that to our advantage. But, we knew it would all depend on how we played on the day."

In the Leinster final they were chasing the game most of the time, lucky not to have been seven or eight points behind at half-time and never really in serious contention. Last weekend, Wexford were again chasing for most of the first half, except Waterford didn't make the most of their chances. Then Damien Fitzhenry brought off a vital save and shortly afterwards Rory Jacob scored an opportunist goal.

The initiative stayed with Wexford through most of the second half, with Dave Guiney outstanding at the heart of the defence and Larry Murphy playing a crucial role at full-forward. That was after coming in for the unfortunate Adrian Fenlon, who misses this game along with Darragh Ryan, another to play a starring role.

Murphy stresses the importance of Fitzhenry. "Damien over the years has probably been an unsung hero. Even when Wexford have been beaten, he has always been able to pull one or two great saves. Last Saturday night, his save before half-time from Dan Shanahan set us up really for the second half. We went down and got a goal so instead of being six points down we were back in it," he added.

After having shown mixed form in their two Leinster games, Murphy agrees they need to be more consistent if they are to advance.

And one of the best ways to ensure they do is to exploit their potential in attack.

"Some people would say we have a few old players but we also have a lot of young fellows speedy forwards who need open spaces. It means we have got to get the right type of ball into them. We have to keep it out wide. With good quality ball we're hoping they can do damage."

It's almost a novelty for Wexford to go into the game as favourites, Murphy agrees, except they could do without this added pressure.

"I know Dinny Cahill and anyone who knows him from being involved with Tipperary under-age teams will be aware that he always does a very good job.

"Antrim had Tipperary in a bit of trouble last year in the quarter-final. They went on and won Division Two in the National League and Dunloy got to the All-Ireland club final.

"We've got to respect them. They're a good side. There's a job to be done on Sunday if we are to stay involved."

My view is that Wexford will win if they play with greater consistency and their smaller players in the forward line are not tied up. But, I would also have to say it won't be in the least surprising if Antrim come out on top.