No dual role strife in Wexford

WEXFORD hurling boss John Conray is adamant that the dual player issue will not be a source of conflict in the Model County this new season.

The Rathnure businessman, who took over as manager from Tony Dempsey in November, does not have any objection to the dual role, stressing that it’s “open-ended” at the moment.

Last weekend, three players figured in both hurling and football for the county: Rory Mallon, Redmond Barry and Tomas Mahon.

While now it’s believed that David “Doc” O’Connor, who has played both codes at under-age level, is also anxious to have a role with the senior footballers.

Dom Twomey, who succeeded Ger Halligan at the helm of football affairs in the county, has forged a good working relationship with Conran and is optimistic that a compromise can be reached with the national league campaign getting underway next month.

Twomey said: “Depending on who the individual involved is, it’s possible to play both codes. I know that when it gets to a certain stage of competition hard calls will have to be made, but certainly I welcome the sort of thinking that we have seen from Dave Keane the Limerick manager where players are being given the choice.”

Both Twomey and Conran are very open in their approach at the moment and wish to ensure that players are never forced into compromising situations between the codes.

Whatever the choice Twomey said: “I hope from the footballing end that there would be one or two players who would be supportive to the hurling cause and certainly that key players in the football panel would be able to continue to play football, as well as hurling. I’d like to think that it would be a two-way process.”

Meanwhile, Conran has deferred selection of the side for next Sunday’s Walsh Cup outing with Laois. Wexford, who are seeking a ninth Walsh Cup success in a row, have a doubt about corner-forward Barry Lambert who retired during last weekend’s challenge with Down suffering from a dead leg.

The side are already without long-term injured duo, net minder Damian Fitzhenry and full-back Darragh Ryan. Elsewhere new Laois manager Paudie Butler will be able to call on the services of the experienced David and Paul Cuddy, who have committed themselves to the team for another season.

This will be Butler’s first competitive game as manager but his blend of youth and experience will be out to impress the new supremo. Neighbours Kildare a have a couple of minor injury worries as they prepare for

Sunday’s O’Byrne Cup final against Longford.

Killian Brennan and Andrew McLoughlin were replaced during the semi final against Dublin while Paddy Murray was unable to start the game. Meanwhile, hurler Ken McGrath has started the year on a bright note, as he was named Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sport Star of 2002.

“It is what I live for, and to be given this kind of recognition is a real bonus,” he said. But for now he is concentrating on his club and intercounty commitments as Waterford defend their Munster title and Mount Sion go in search of the All-Ireland club title.

McGrath admits that the provincial campaign will again be a “minefield” and Waterford will have a mammoth task in trying to retain their provincial title.

“We are well capable of doing so however, and after that the All-Ireland we missed out on last year has to be the major goal,” he said.

However, of more immediate importance to him is next month’s All-Ireland club semi final against Antrim champions Dunloy.

“We have never won the All-Ireland title and we will be going flat out to do so in the next two months,”

he added.