WEXFORD hurlers would probably drive the most qualified of shrinks demented! They have long-developed a reputation for being a bit up and down but, of late, their inconsistency is just off the charts.

Remember the 2023 Leinster Championship? One week, Wexford blew a 16-point interval lead at home against minnows Westmeath, only to turn themselves inside out at the same venue seven days later in inflicting defeat on arch-rivals Kilkenny. How is that possible?

Well, they were at the same thing last year. Having been shocked by Antrim at Corrigan Park in the provincial championship, they somehow regrouped for another do-or-die contest against Galway at Wexford Park just a week on.

Keith Rossiter’s charges were regarded as no-hopers, especially as Wexford hadn’t beaten the Tribesmen in the championship for 28 years. But another ‘out-of-the-blue’ performance saw them deservedly overcome the Tribesmen on a 1-28 to 0-23 scoreline.

It says something for Wexford’s resilience in their great hours of need, but why does it take a backs-to-the-wall type of scenario for them to show what they are capable of? Unfortunately, the supporters are already experiencing more of the same in 2025.

In their opening three league games against Cork, Tipperary and Kilkenny, Wexford picked up zero points. The Rebels made short work of them at Wexford Park, and though they were a little better against Tipp in Thurles, Liam Cahill’s team were always comfortably keeping them at arm’s length.

Fast forward to the outing against Kilkenny. Wexford were shambolic in the first-half and though they improved on the resumption, the Cats still won by eight points. It all left them seemingly on a hiding to nothing heading to Ennis last Sunday.

Sure, Clare were in relegation strife too, but All-Stars Tony Kelly, John Conlon, David Fitzgerald and Mark Rodgers would be starting their first games of the season, while they also have an impressive record against Wexford in both the league and championship.

After Kelly had the ball in the opposition net soon after the throw-in and Clare opened a 1-3 to 0-1 lead, it had all the hallmarks of another deflating afternoon for Wexford. By half-time, however, the Slaneysiders were back in the hunt.

Obviously, the return of Lee Chin made a significant difference to Wexford’s fortunes. His ball-winning capacity was again evident, and he also landed three points from play. With Cian Byrne accurate from frees; Seamus Casey helping himself to 1-3; and the likes of defender Richie Lawlor picking off rousing points, Wexford emerged deserving winners on a 1-23 to 1-17 scoreline.

Pictured: Galway’s Padraic Mannion is chased by Wexford’s Rory O’Connor during last year’s Leinster Hurling Championship clash. The teams meet in the National League at Wexford Park on Saturday.