Wexford ready to turn to Meyler

News: Wexford County Board delegates are likely to back John Meyler as the county's new senior hurling manager tonight.

It is believed when the special committee set up to seek a manager met on Tuesday afternoon, they settled on Meyler, a native of the county, to lead the hurlers into 2007.

Former Limerick star Pat Herbert was due to meet with the committee but they have been unable to fix an appointment with the Shannonsider, who is heavily involved with the Toomevara club as they prepare for the Tipperary senior hurling final.

Another former star, Kilkenny defender Eddie O'Connor, impressed at interview, but it seems the committee have opted for Meyler, who lives in Cork.

The former Wexford and Cork hurler won an All-Ireland senior medal with the Rebel County as a substitute in 1986.

During his playing days in Cork he also assisted the St Finbarr's club.

He also has considerable experience in team management, having acted as a selector with the Cork seniors.

Meyler also enjoyed a spell as manager of the Kerry senior hurlers.

Wexford were reluctant to go for a hurling manager outside of their county but see Meyler as a native son who is ideally suited to the many challenges he will face to restore the Model County to hurling's top tier.

The last two seasons have ended in disappointing fashion following dismal displays against Clare twice in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

No doubt Meyler will be an interested spectator at next Sunday's county senior hurling final involving Rathnure and Oulart-the-Ballagh.

Coincidentally, Meyler's native club, Our Lady's Island, bounced back to prominence last Sunday when they won the Wexford junior championship.