Doing the (super) splits: How Waterford and Wexford opted to divide and conquer

Both counties report the changes continue to be overwhelmingly supported by players and dual clubs have thrived as a result of not having to juggle the two codes

Early birds: Ballygunner's Kevin Mahony and Mike Hutchison of Passage compete during last weekend's clash between the sides in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Co. Waterford Senior Hurling Championship. Pic: Patrick Browne

There are split seasons and then there are the super splits in the sunny south-east: Waterford and Wexford, two counties who went one step further than the split season and divided their club championship calendars.

In such strong dual counties, it was felt the season required further distilling, so when the opportunity came Wexford’s way in 2020 on foot of the first lockdown to trial uninterrupted hurling competitions followed by football they grabbed it. Waterford followed suit and three years later the same schedules remain. Wexford will conclude their hurling championship tomorrow week. That same day, Waterford’s round stages will be finished.