Bonnar: There's hope for Wexford

Colm Bonnar's three-year reign as Wexford hurling manager came to an end last night, following their six-point All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Limerick.

Despite the disappointing nature of the result, Bonnar feels that there is a bright future for the game in the Model County - especially with their Under-21s through to the second successive Leinster final.

Confirming his decision to step down, he told RTÉ: "From my perspective, I feel now it's time to move on and let somebody else in.

"Obviously, we haven't got it out of the players - as much as we've tried, it hasn't worked.

"It's very disappointing to finish with that kind of result. There's an extremely good, talented team there at Under-21 level. There's good players coming through, another six or seven players."

Wexford grabbed an early lead at the Gaelic Grounds and a goal from Eoin Quigley, on the half hour mark, reeled a buoyant Limerick side back in for half-time.

But Graeme Mulcahy's goal, barely seconds after the restart, gave the Shannonsiders a boost and the visitors, who had Paul Roche sent-off, were left chasing a lost cause.

"A team that are underdogs, we need to take our chances and that's something we haven't been doing this year, even though we have been creating them," admitted Bonnar afterwards.

"Maybe that's because we were down in Division 2 for two years."

The Model men gained promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League last year and retained their top flight status this season, after a final day draw with All-Ireland champions Tipperary.

A two-time All-Ireland winner with Tipperary as a player, Bonnar had a poor Championship record with Wexford - played 7, won 2 and lost 5.

His charges only beat Offaly and Antrim in three years of Leinster Championship action, and they suffered three reversals in the All-Ireland qualifiers - two to Limerick and one to Tipp.

However, the former midfielder believes that Wexford can turn a corner, perhaps finding some inspiration from Dublin's recovery from their forgettable 2010 Championship campaign.

"The players just have to look at the Dublin scenario. Last year they were beaten by 19 points by Kilkenny and lost to Antrim in the qualifiers. Their Under-21s won the Leinster Championship, and it was a case that they built on it again.

"There's hope. Wexford are a great hurling county and there's a great passion there for the game.

"I've no doubt that they will pick it up, with more younger lads coming in and a good structure. They are in Division 1 next year and they can improve."