Ted Morrissey

Ted Morrissey discusses his introduction to Gaelic games in the Wexford of the 1940s, in particular the influence of his brothers’ involvement and the ritual of travelling, by pony and cart and bicycle, to watch games at venues across the county. Morrissey moved clubs as he moved jobs and residence, eventually settling in Enniscorthy in 1949. The bulk of the interview is taking up with Morrissey’s recollections of the 1950s, a glorious era in the history of Wexford hurling, which took place, he points out, against a backdrop of ‘chronic’ emigration. As well as shining a light on some of the major events and characters during this exciting decade in Wexford sporting history, he also provides an insight into the local sporting scene, including the success enjoyed by his club, St. Aidan’s, in the 1950s. In addition, the interview touches on such subject-matter as the ban on foreign games, changing approaches to training and the inadequacy of facilities for club teams. Morrissey, who retired from playing with his club in 1967, is self-deprecating about his own contribution to Wexford’s success in the 1950s, but the pleasure he took in participating in those events is apparent throughout the interview.