Griffin to take charge of Wexford minors

WEXFORD hurling has gone back to basics with former All-Ireland-winning manager Liam Griffin set to take over the county’s minors.

Griffin, who steered Wexford to the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 1996, is likely to be officially ratified at the next meeting of the Wexford county board. He brings an impressive backroom team into the post with him in the guise of Martin Storey and Willie Cleary, as the young Model men bid for their first Leinster title in the grade since 1985.

Griffin was charged with finding a replacement for senior manager Colm Bonnar, who resigned his post after the Limerick qualifier elimination. As chairman he is heading up a special committee which has yet to recommend a new name to the county board.

There has been much speculation surrounding a few names, particularly that of Kilkenny trainer, Michael Dempsey, who has been part of Brian Cody’s successful backroom team through their momentous All-Ireland winning streak.

On the U21 front, Tony Dempsey is expected to remain on as hurling manager, while Kevin Kehoe will continue as U21 football manager for a second term as the search for a new minor boss continues.