Fitzhenry to emigrateDunne to retire?

October 03, 2003
The Wexford hurling world was rocked by the news that All Star goalkeeper, Damien Fitzhenry has decided to emigrate to Australia while long serving stalwart, Liam Dunne is set to retire.   Is expected that the goalkeeping stalwart will remain in Australia for at least a year leaving a void in the Wexford senior set-up. Fitzhenry who is due to appear before the Wexford disciplinary committee next week, when his sending off during his club's Duffy Rovers, fractious affair in the senior football championship semi-final against Horsewood will be discussed. It is reported that Fitzhenry was disgruntled at the treatment afforded him during the semi-final and the lack of protection from the match official, John Denton, who himself was assaulted at the end of the game by angry supporters. According to members of the Duffy Rovers, the treatment handed out to Fitzhenry during the game was the main catalyst for the after-match incident. While Fitzhenry himself was not available to comment on his imminent departure to Australia, his older brother, Noel, a Garda in Wexford town, confirmed that his brother will be flying out to Australia in a matter of weeks. His departure marks the end of a ten-year career which started back in 1993 with his debut in the championship against, Dublin. Rumours are afoot that 35-year-old Liam Dunne, who had an outstanding season in the half-back line for Wexford could be on the verge of retiring further diluting the Wexford hurling squad. A passionate player, who over his time in inter-county hurling received a number of controversial red cards, has always stated that he would like to retire on a high note at the top of his game. If the Oulart the Ballagh man retires, he could be followed by the side's other outstanding veteran, Larry O'Gorman also expected to be missing from the new set-up for next season. Manager, John Conran has a number of further worries ahead of next season at this early stage with the news that their brilliant forward, Larry Murphy, at the age of 31 is considering his future in the game. Also a worry for the manager is news that Darren Stamp, who played at right half back this year will also fly out to Australia where he hopes to remain until February. While Stamp will miss out on pre-season training and the opening games of Allianz hurling league, fears are that he might wish to extend his stay down under. Another hopeful of Wexford hurling, Rory Mallon who emigrated to the US prior to the commencement of the championship this season has decided not to return to Ireland.

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