The ‘Big Red’ county is awash with action as 40 matches played in softball league

In what is a very exciting time for Wexford GAA Handball, the David Stanners Painting & Decorating county softball singles leagues got off to a terrific start this week when 40 matches took place around the county. It was an auspicious beginning to the first league of its type in Wexford and it augers well for the overall success of the venture. Matches continue in the coming week with Fixture 2

For the outcome of this weeks games click Fixture 1 results   

Snippets from the week…

The competition has 69 entrants divided into 10 groups, with the top 4 in each group progressing to the semi finals. Group B is already looking very formidable, as seven players with All Irelands medals to their credit face off. And, despite the presence of several more experienced campaigners, it is the youngst player in the group, Joe Devereux, Castlebridge, who already looks like the one to beat.

The return to play of former county junior B champion JR Finn, Ballymitty is a welcome sight in Group C and he will add considerably to what is an extremely competitive group. Mikey Murphy, Taghmon has already made a fine start with two from two, but amongst others, Conor Horan, Coolgreany, fresh from his All ireland under 17 singles win and Liam Rossiter, Ballyhogue have already shown they too will be in the shakeup.

Padraig Devereux, Castlebridge has sprang from the traps in Group D and after two three-setters he remains unbeaten. His clubmate Joshua Roche has just concluded a very impressive 4-wall season which saw him win the Irish Nationals amongst other acheivements and he is sure to contend when he gets a few games under his belt.

Leinster Chairperson Ricky Barron, Taghmon will get his Group E campaign underway in the coming week, after Liam Murphy, Castlebridge and Tommy Armstrong, Kilmyshall opened with victories in their first outings. 

Two more of Wexford’s best young players, Jamie Barnes, St. Mary’s and William Murphy, Castlebridge have shown they will be a force in Group F, but the presence of the experienced Colin Redmond, Castlebridge and Wexford’s top female player Cora Doyle, St. Josephs adds intrigue to this gathering.   

Jodie Keeling, St. Josephs made the Group G news earlier this week when she overcame Gavin Lacey, Ballymitty in the first female v male clash of the competition, before going down later in the week to Tomás O’Shea, Davidstown. Young Shane Cleary, Ballymitty also opened his account with a fine victory.  

In Group H Emily Moran came out on top against twin sister April in the battle of the Ballymitty siblings, while the youngest player in the competition, Sean Fitzharris, Templeudigan also began with a win. 

Two St. Mary’s stalwarts, Nicky Casey and Ray Wickham lead the way in Group I, but Aaron Maloney, Taghmon was also impressive in his opening match.

Group J may be considered by many as the ‘senior citizens’ group, but for those taking part its more than just a game!  Kilmyshal man Jimmy Dunne who recently captured the All Ireland 4-wall DMBD title is setting the pace and looking very impressive too. Also showing well are Micheal Rossiter, Ballyhogue and Tony Breen, Templeudigan.

To see the groups and tables click County Softball Singles League Groups & Tables (Week 1)