Doyle eager to end All-Ireland famine

September 10, 2015

Wexford manager JJ Doyle.
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

JJ Doyle says his Wexford U21 team is determined to end the county's All-Ireland famine this weekend.

Doyle led the Wexford camogs to a three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles between 2010 and '12, but the Model County hasn't claimed hurling honours at national level since 1996 when Liam Griffin masterminded a famous Liam MacCarthy Cup success.

"I remember being on the Hill in '96. It was one of the best days I have had in a sporting context. I was 21, I was the same age as the boys are now. They don't remember it. Some of them weren't even born. It is too long ago," Doyle is quoted in the Irish Examiner ahead of Saturday's U21 decider against Limerick.

"Next year is 20 years (since that All-Ireland win). It is sad for a hurling county. We haven't won an underage All-Ireland, a minor or U21, since 1968. That is 47 years. It is a long time for a hurling county. It is time now.

"We had a decent summer last year, but I was saying to someone recently that we didn't win anything really. For it to be a really decent summer you have to win an All-Ireland.

"We are the last chance in the county this year to do it. That is what we are aiming to do. It is time for us now to take the step. But I am sure Limerick are thinking the same thing."


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