Wexford Under 21 hurler Harry O Connor.
Wednesday July 5
Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under 21 Hurling Final
Kilkenny v Wexford, Nowlan Park, 7.30pm
By Cian O'Connell
Kilkenny haven’t won a Leinster Under 21 title since 2012, while in the intervening spell Wexford earned a three in a row between 2013 and 2015.
That is one of the reasons Wednesday’s Nowlan Park encounter promises to be interesting: both teams are blessed with potential.
Three years ago Kilkenny claimed All Ireland minor glory, while Wexford’s record in the Under 21 grade is worthy of the utmost respect.
Wexford were disappointed by their failure to truly perform on the national stage, and Harry O’Connor was on the extended panel when they lost the 2015 decider to a star studded Limerick outfit.
“This is my third year with the Under 21s, I was in two years ago when, we were lucky that year, we beat Kilkenny in Wexford Park,” O’Connor recalls.
“I wasn't on the panel for that because it was just after my Leaving Cert, but I stuck at it and I scraped into the panel for the All Ireland Final against Limerick. Unfortunately I didn't get on the pitch and we didn't win that day either.
“They had plenty of guys who had played senior that year as well, they were a class outfit. In terms of intensity Limerick brought a different intensity.”
Valuable lessons were learned by Wexford and O’Connor, a son of John and nephew of George, two renowned figures in the Purple and Gold story, wants to make an impact in 2017.
“Last year we lost to Dublin, you can talk all you want about the three in a row, but having been bet there it knocked us back down to earth a bit. I was on the panel, but didn't see the pitch either so this year is the first year I've come on the scene.”
The O’Connors bring a strong link to Wexford’s past, but they are contributing richly to the present too. Harry’s younger older brother Jack is an established senior with the county; younger brother Rory will feature against Kilkenny, while cousin Joe is a senior panelist and an influential figure for the Under 21s.
“It is the same as anyone, my Dad would have been over a few of the underage teams in the club growing up, he is heavily involved in the club (St Martin’s).
Harry O Connor pictured ahead of the Bord Gais Energy Leinster Under 21 Final.
“George would always be chatting to you and encouraging you about games and how things are going. They would be key influences on the three of us in our house and on Joe too.”
Extensive coaching work has been carried out in Wexford during the past decade. Last Sunday’s Leinster SHC Final was a setback, but there is belief within Wexford that they can become a force once more.
“The underage success is starting to shine through with the senior team,” O’Connor says.
“Obviously you can't take away the fact that Davy Fitz is unbelievably organised and he is bringing Wexford to a new level. Of course he is doing great work. The underage success we are starting to see the fruits of it now.
“Not even just the county scene, but in the club scene as well. The Wexford Championship is always hugely competitive. I know Oulart have been doing well in the Leinster Club series, but the Championship is hugely competitive, that is another factor, it isn't just the minor and Under 21.”
Budding hurlers in Wexford have something to aspire to now according to O’Connor. “It is good timing, it is a good opportunity for lads, but as an Under 21 player you are just focused on your Under 21s.
“Your priority is senior and Under 21 with your club and Under 21 with your county if you're lucky enough. At the back of your head you would have aspirations of playing with the senior squad.
“We wouldn't have that many involved, maybe five or six, but you would look forward to trying to get into the senior team.”
That target can be attained by delivering in matches such as the Leinster Under 21 Final. Eddie Brennan’s Kilkenny cleared awkward hurdles against Dublin and a spirited Westmeath.
How Wexford cope with a talented Kilkenny attacking unit will be critical. “Kilkenny - it doesn't get bigger than that - it is going to be a great challenge,” O’Connor admits.
“All the guys my age won the minor All Ireland so of course they are going to be at a high level. This is what you look forward to, I'm really looking forward to the test as well.”
