More fans sought for club activity
Hurling action resumes after long break
The Wexford ladies' football Minor squad celebrate their All-Ireland 'B' final victory over Tipperary in Freshford on Saturday last. SEE PAGE 87.
Wednesday July 28 2010
THE EMBARGO on the club scene has been lifted but supporters are voting with their feet. The wisdom of having a near twelve-week break between the first and second round games, with intercounty activity cited as the real problem, has raised more questions than it answered, with the club football weekend attracting sparse attendances to the respective venues.
While it will be argued that it's the early stages of the championship, with this being only the second round of football, many clubs are already on the fringe of early dismissal, with their future championship prospects depending on final round games.
But while the support is lacking, it seems an exercise in futility to have club games starting at 5 p.m. in direct opposition to the live TV showing of crucial inter-county championship games.
A later start of 6 p.m. would give supporters an opportunity of seeing out the live games and then possibly moving on to the club championship activity.
Wexford Park hosted two Senior double-headers on Saturday and Sunday, but the sparse attendances, which were reciprocated at venues throughout the county, must be a source of concern to county G.A.A. officers.
Wexford G.A.A. are going to find it difficult to buck the trend with shots of practically empty grounds hardly make for a flattering picture. But County Chairman, Ger Doyle, is hopeful of an improvement.
'Attendances are on a par with last year. Next weekend, the August Bank Holiday, will be a real test, but still we have some attractive hurling fixtures.
'We will be looking towards a greater promotion of our games over the coming weeks to hopefully boost attendances.'
Wexford attendances are starting off a very low base but Doyle stresses: 'the trends are that once the championship is up and running attendances will improve'.
Wexford Park hosts an attractive double-header on Saturday, with St. Anne's needing a victory over Shelmaliers in the opening game, while reigning champions, Oulart-The-Ballagh, will be seeking a second win over unbeaten Askamore.
Two attractive games are also scheduled for Monamolin on Saturday, where Glynn-Barntown should maintain their momentum against Marshalstown-Castledockrell, while Cloughbawn and Oylegate-Glenbrien will probably go right down to the wire.
Senior championship hurling returns to Hollymount on Sunday afternoon, with Buffers Alley trying to get their championship back on course against RathgarogueCushinstown, while Ferns St. Aidan's will be seeking a second victory when they come up against Blackwater.
Sunday evening in Wexford Park has two attractive fixtures, with Rapparees coming up against St. Martin's, who will be without 'Gizzy' Lyng who has embarked on a world tour.
Meanwhile, league winners Rathnure should once again highlight their championship prospects against Faythe Harriers.
There are also a number of Intermediate and Junior championship games down for decision.
- BRENDAN FURLONG Sports reporter
