There was great news for Shelmaliers when 5 club members were chosen to represent their county in the first of two blitz’s, the second taking place in Kilkenny in July, Feargal Hynes, James Gordon, Shane Griffith and Stephen Corrigan were chosen for the Gorey blitz, while Aidan Cash was chosen for the Ferns Blitz.
The lads did very well in the Gorey blitz by winning all three matches, all of the shels boys started in the first game, with Shane Griffith looking after things at corner back, a position he mastered all day, despite just getting over an illness. Feargal Hynes lined out in midfield, he also captained the side for the day, he too, ably kept his place for the day, showing fine leadership on the field, and also scoring some lovely points. In the half forward line we had James Gordon at centre forward, being invaluable by fielding the ball into the forwards and making several commanding runs. He also kept this position for the day, scoring some brilliant points and making a huge contribution to the game. The speedy Stephen Corrigan started in wing forward and was causing lots of trouble for the Offaly defence, he ran through with a ball and hand passed it into the near corner forward who buried it in the back of the net. Unfortunately, after this ball was passed, the Offaly defence, thwarted yet again, made a terrible challenge which took Corrigan out of the game, and he played no further part in the blitz. We are pleased to say he is making a good recovery.
The lads were really up for the first game against Offaly after having a shock defeat to them at the end of last year’s season, with some questionable refereeing decisions.
The lads made no mistake this year by beating them by 3-09 to 0-08.
Next game was against Dublin and even after a poor first half with a lot of wide’s they won by beating them 1-07 to 0-03.
The last game of the day was a tough one, the team were tired, and they faced a good Kilkenny side.
Wexford showed great team spirit to come out of the game with a 0-10 to 0-04 win.
Aidan Cash was starring in the Ferns blitz playing in midfield and wing back as well as captaining the side for the day. They won the Blitz on score difference by beating Kildare and Carlow and drawing with Kilkenny.
Congrats to all the lads and manager Martin Storey, selectors Noel O'Keefe.