Top Senior footballer to be chosen weekly
A STAR-STUDDED group of former Wexford stalwarts are joining forces to select a player of the week for each remaining round of the Dominic Smith Electrical Senior football championship, with five to be chosen from round four all the way through to the county final.
With qualification for the quarter-finals to be determined over the next two weekends, the ex-colleagues of long standing are eager to ensure that the individual efforts of the county’s leading performers get the recognition that they so richly deserve.
A sponsor has been sourced for this welcome venture, with St. Joseph’s club stalwart Billy Codd of New Century Roofing lending his support by agreeing to provide vouchers valued at €50 for the winners on a weekly basis.
Eleven household Wexford football names are behind this welcome new idea, including Adrian Flynn who will get to see several potential candidates for the awards at very close quarters given that he is still lining out with distinction in the top flight with Gusserane O’Rahillys.
He will be assisted in his deliberations by P.J. Banville, Daithí Waters, Eric Bradley, Graeme Molloy, Tiarnan Rossiter, Redmond Barry, David Murphy, Ciarán Lyng, Anthony Masterson and Joey Wadding.
Molloy is part of the St. James’ Senior backroom team, while Banville, Waters and Rossiter are still going strong with their clubs in the Intermediate grade.
The first winner of the New Century Roofing Senior football player of the week will be chosen after all six fourth-round games take place over the weekend.
The action will commence in Chadwicks Wexford Park on Friday, when holders Shelmaliers meet Gusserane in Group A at 7.30 p.m.
The same venue will host Glynn-Barntown and Starlights in Group B at 4 p.m. on Saturday, before two matches are set to clash at 5.30 p.m. – St. James’ against HWH-Bunclody in a must-win Group A tie for both in McCauley Park, Bellefield, and the always eagerly-anticipated battle between Castletown and Kilanerin in Group B in Gorey.
It will be back to Chadwicks Wexford Park then on Sunday for a double-header, with St. Anne’s taking on Crossabeg-Ballymurn in Group B at 2 p.m. before Naomh Éanna and Sarsfields lock horns in Group A at 4 p.m.
Unlike hurling, last year’s system has been retained across all football grades, with the top four in each group of six qualifying for quarter-finals, the fifth-placed sides eliminated but retaining their status, and the bottom teams meeting in the relegation final. This format ensures every point is precious, with lots of jeopardy and no shadow boxing on the agenda as this weekend’s round four ties will be followed by the conclusion of the groups from September 13 to 15.