Diarmuid O Keefe, Wexford, and Ronan Maher, Tipperary, pictured ahead of the Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final.
***Sunday April 16
Allianz Hurling League Semi-Final
Wexford v Tipperary, Nowlan Park, 4pm, Live on TG4
It is still an early time in the hurling year, but the signs in Wexford are encouraging. A matter of weeks after being appointed Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald stated in December – “I'd like to be able to set them on the road.”
Four months later that is most definitely the case because Wexford have been the undoubted success story of the Allianz Hurling League.
Now a clash with the All Ireland champions will be enough to sharpen and focus Wexford minds, but they have met every challenge under Fitzgerald so far.
Arguably what will have pleased Fitzgerald most of all, though, is the streak of defiance Wexford have demonstrated in certain games.
The first two fixtures in Division 1B were demanding, Limerick and Galway provided the opposition, but Wexford finished both matches strongly to secure wins.
Trailing in those two games in the second period Wexford thundered back in the closing stages before subsequently overpowering Kerry, Offaly, and Laois.
Kilkenny in Nowlan Park was a glamour Quarter-Final, but Wexford refused to be perturbed or intimidated.
Goals from David Dunne and Jack Guiney capped a memorable success for Wexford, who were once again prompted by the excellent Conor McDonald.
The form of Mark Fanning, Liam Ryan, Diarmuid O’Keeffe, Lee Chin, and McDonald bodes well ahead of the Leinster Championship.
Fitzgerald will be intrigued to see how Wexford fare against Michael Ryan’s team, who commenced their Division 1A campaign in such efficient fashion.
Dublin, Waterford, and Clare were all defeated by Tipp, who secured a Quarter-Final berth early. A gripping draw with Kilkenny was followed by a loss at Pairc Ui Rinn to Cork, but Seamus Callanan inspired the Premier County to a knock-out success over Offaly.
Now a hotly anticipated clash between Wexford and Tipperary will bring a bumper Easter Sunday crowd to Nowlan Park.
Michael Ryan and some of his Tipp panel have mentioned the fact that only two current players hold Allianz League medals.
Tipp want to continue to earn silverware, but Wexford are on the glory trail too so this is a contest worth monitoring.
TIPPERARY: Darren Gleeson; Cathal Barrett, James Barry, Michael Cahill; Seamus Kennedy, Ronan Maher, Padraic Maher; Brendan Maher, Jason Forde; Dan McCormack, Niall O'Meara, Steven O'Brien; Noel McGrath, John McGrath, Seamus Callanan.
