Lee Chin happy to go again with Wexford in 2026
Wexford hurler Lee Chin helped launch Bord Gáis Energy's new solar campaign. With €400 off, there's never been a better time to switch to solar with Bord Gáis Energy – Ireland's most trusted name in home solar installations. Book your free consultation today and make the smart move for your home – backed by a 25-year panel warranty, 24-hour monitoring, and SEAI-registered installers. Go to www.bordgaisenergy.ie for more details. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
By Paul Keane
Early days in July and already Lee Chin is happy to sign up again for another season with Wexford in 2026.
He is currently on holiday, in Portugal, and as he sits and chats he references another stick and ball game when asked about his future.
"I'm actually here looking out at a golf course and a few lads putting on a green across from me, that looks very appetising as well," smiled Wexford captain Chin, who was helping to launch Bord Gais Energy's new solar campaign.
"But look, I do plan to go back next year, yes. At this stage of my career, I'll just take it year by year. I was happy with how this year went for me, how the body was and how the mind was."
The bigger picture, for Wexford hurling generally, is that the county is at something of a transition point, according to Chin.
They pulled off significant wins this season over All-Ireland holders Clare, Limerick and Kilkenny yet still slipped out of Division 1A in the Allianz League and failed to advance beyond Leinster's round robin in the Championship.
"We've had a lot of retirements over the last couple of years," said the versatile forward who enjoyed a brilliant personal season, scoring 3-56 in the Championship. "I suppose with guys finishing up, there is that question of being in transition. I think we're in some form of a transition at the moment.
"For me, at the start of my career, I came into a panel where Wexford were probably in transition at the time. And it's slightly looking similar to that at the moment.
"We are looking for young players to stand up and step up. And we have them in Wexford. We have them, we just need them to get their opportunity and to show what they're capable of.
"The other side of it is, when you're talking about improvements, in some ways we probably improved on our first year with Keith (Rossiter). First year with Keith, we finished on five points and finished in third place in Leinster and got through. We managed to get an extra point on the board (in 2025).
"So there were some things we know we probably did improve on in some areas, but other areas we didn't. And you just can't be lacking in areas when it comes to the Leinster championship anymore. You're going to be exposed. So we need to focus on those types of things. We are in a small transition period and we're in this sort of transition where we need to kick on. Because if we don't, well, you don't want to stay static because you will be vulnerable."
Lee Chin of Wexford celebrates with the supporters after scoring the winning goal against Offaly in this season's Leinster SHC. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
Chin, who will turn 33 later this year, was keen to point out that he isn't sticking around out of some sort of obligation or need while the group is in transition.
"No, it wouldn't be a need, it would be what I want to do," he said. "Look, Wexford will always be there, it was there before I was there and it'll be there long after I'm gone. I just want to be there to help the cause. I want to be there to try to win. I want to feel that success again like we did in 2019.
"At the moment, we need more young lads putting their hands up in Wexford. And, like I said, they're there. They are there. We just need to get them opportunities.
"But look, ourselves and the senior lads, I don't know what's happening this year regarding other lads, but you'd be hoping that everyone will stick together and stay together and try to drive things on."
Chin will be a keen observer of this weekend's All-Ireland semi-finals. Cork will play Dublin on Saturday evening, the same Dublin side that defeated Wexford narrowly at Parnell Park in the Leinster championship back in late April.
"Obviously Dublin being a team from Leinster, and to see them now in an All-Ireland semi-final, you'd be rooting for them," said Chin.
"As a hurling fan, it was great to see it, what they did against Limerick, it was great to see the competition, the way they went at the game and got the reward, got over the line. They're deservedly sitting in an All-Ireland semi-final with as much of a chance as anybody else. From just a Leinster point of view, it was a nice thing to see."
