Deputy Dempsey opts out in Wexford

TONY DEMPSEY has stepped down after two years in charge of Wexford senior hurling.

The newly elected Fianna Fáil TD, who has guided the fortunes of the county through two championship campaigns, believes the continuation of a structured training programme would prove difficult given his commitments in the Dáil.

Dempsey has been considering his position since the county's championship elimination to Clare and admitted it was difficult to walk away. Yet he believes he is leaving Wexford hurling in a much healthier state.

"When I was appointed I said I would have the team playing with their heart on their sleeves and would leave Wexford hurling healthier. I feel I've achieved this in the two years and for that I'm happy."

Dempsey has no doubts about the potential of the team: "Last year we bounced back from a crushing Leinster final defeat to defeat Limerick and draw with Tipperary. This year we ran Kilkenny to two points in the Leinster final. With most of the team under 22 years of age the future for Wexford hurling is bright."

However Dempsey did vent his frustration at some aspects of the new championship format.

"It's important for the GAA to familiarise themselves at every level with the commitment of the players. The only sour note I leave behind me was the decision of the GAC to ask players to play an important championship game just six days after playing in a Leinster final."

Dempsey also paid tribute to the huge contribution of his two fellow selectors, Ger Cushe, who has already resigned, and Davy Morris.

The TD informed last night's meeting of the Wexford County Board of his decision and they will now set in motion plans to find a successor with U-21 manager Seamus Murphy a front-runner for the post.

The three Wexford football mentors Ger Halligan (Manager), Miceal Furlong and Dec Carty were returned for a third term while formed Dublin selector Dom Toomey will join them in an advisory capacity.

Meanwhile, Tommy Carr, once in the contention for that Wexford job, is believed to have already signed, sealed and delivered the deal that will see him take over as Roscommon manager.

Carr is understood to have been in contact with officials from the county for some time.

The former Ballymun Kickhams and Dublin skipper recently moved from Lucan to Mullingar in Westmeath.

That ruled him out of the position of Wexford manager which was his if he wanted it following a year of work as an advisor under Ger Halligan.

But it also helped rule him in with Roscommon. It is thought the move will be confirmed by next week.

A source said: "It's something that all involved had planned on keeping under wraps for another while yet. It's a pity it's got out in this way."

Carr was ousted as Dublin boss last October when his county board turned against him in dramatic fashion. He almost managed Dublin to their first Leinster title in five years in 2000 but Kildare came up with a bizarre two-goal blast in 90 seconds after the restart to signal the beginning of the end for Carr.

Last year Dublin were beaten by Kerry in an All-Ireland quarter-final replay. Carr was axed months later.