Egan excited by Wexford challenge
By Shane Brophy
“A new and exciting challenge” was how Darragh Egan described his appointment as the new Wexford senior hurling manager.
The Kiladangan clubman was chosen as Davy Fitzgerald’s successor in the Model County last week, with formal ratification to be confirmed at County Board meeting later this month when his term will be announced.
The 35-year-old was recently a coach with Tipperary over the past three years under Liam Sheedy, including the 2019 All-Ireland success, and it is a challenge he is looking forward to.
“What better challenge than coming down to Wexford to try and see can we do something good over the next few years,” Egan said on Wexford GAA TV last Saturday when attending the county senior hurling quarter finals at Chadwicks Wexford Park.
“Over the last three years with my involvement with Tipperary we would have come across Wexford a good few times; obviously the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final being the most obvious one but through challenge matches and different events against Wexford, I knew the calibre of player I am dealing with. I knew what kind of route they wanted to take so hopefully I can set Wexford on that pathway over the next few years.”
Egan will now set about putting a backroom team together which is likely to include a number of Tipperary confidantes, as well as local Wexford people on the ground.
Egan added: “I must commend the County Board. It was a good thorough process and had a good chat with the lads before the selection was made. That had to get over the line first so I will now spend a bit of time over the next few weeks putting together a really high performing backroom team, and a team that will bring these lads on and bring all resources and utilise them well and get the most out of every Wexford panel member.”
In welcoming Darragh Egan as their new senior hurling manager, Wexford GAA Chairperson Michaél Martin said his appointment aligns with the county’s long term plan.
“Darragh Egan is a sharp, enthusiastic and energetic leader who understands performance at an elite level,” he said.
“He is process driven and has a hunger for success. He has experience of leading in a high-performance environment and I have no doubt that he will bring a wealth of knowledge to Wexford hurling as we aim to take the next step on the journey to success.
“Our strategic plan, “Ar Aghaidh Linn le Chéile”, is the most ambitious plan ever launched in the history of Wexford GAA with clear and specific goals for on and off the pitch. We are conscious that the performance of our senior hurling team is a key element in the social wellbeing of our county.”