Former Wexford hurler Tom Dempsey: "Aaron Gillane is the best forward in Ireland"

1996 was a difficult year for Limerick players and supporters when they watched their county suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Wexford in the All-Ireland senior hurling final. Former Wexford hurler Tom Dempsey has fond memories of that occasion, however.

“1996 was a great occasion, I suppose more so for ourselves than Limerick. Two teams that were desperate to win an All-Ireland. Limerick were so unlucky really, I think if Limerick won the All-Ireland in 1994 they would have been a different proposition in 1996. They were the most unlucky team not to win an All-Ireland in that era.”

Dempsey lined out for Wexford from 1984 until 2000 and the Buffer's Alley clubman won an All-Star for a string of top class performances in 1996.

Limerick started brightly in that final racing into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 15 minutes. The Shannosniders looked to be in control when Wexford's Eamonn Scallan was sent off for a loose pull.

However, Limerick failed to take full advantage of the extra man and a goal from Tom Dempsey before the break gave the Slaneysiders a narrow lead at half-time.

Wexford hung on to their lead in the end to win out a final scoreline of 1-13 to 0-14.

“I just remember the half back line of Davy Clarke, Ciaran Carey and Mark Foley were giving an exhibition. It was very hard to get the ball by them, maybe it gave Limerick a bit of confidence because they had beaten us very easily in the league in Kilmallock earlier in the year.”

Dempsey feels his county have not built on the success from 1996.

“I don't think Wexford have built on it well enough over the years. Sometimes, you need a little bit of luck to win things.”
The Wexford forward was in impressive form that day scoring 1-3. Since that final, Dempsey was developed friendships with several of the former Limerick hurlers.

“There's friendships that are there, I remember Dave Clarke came up last year to Wexford for the league game with Limerick. And anytime I meet Joe Quaid he is great craic.

“Joe always reckoned that it was the luckiest goal that was ever scored in an All-Ireland final. I was trying to hit it to the other side of the goal and Joe read it . The ball then dribbled in the other side. I'm only coming clean on that one now at this stage!”

Dempsey is a big fan of Limerick hurler Aaron Gillane.

“For me, Aaron Gillane is the best forward in Ireland. He's a huge part of their artillery and he's the one man they can't do without. Declan Hannon, Gearoid Hegarty and Dan Morrissey, that' an All Star group of players that Limerick didn't have against Kilkenny last weekend. Limerick have very a strong panel.”

Dempsey feels John Kiely's biggest challenge is getting his best team on the pitch.

“I think Kiely's biggest challenge is finding the combinations to put the best team out there. They are the best team in Ireland.”

This weekend sees Limerick and Wexford essentially play a ‘dead rubber.’ Wexford have been relegated from Division 1A and Limerick have retained their Division 1A status but they have missed out on a place in this year's league final.

“This game at the weekend, is John Kiely going to say it's time to get a bit of momentum?

If that happens, it's going to be a difficult afternoon for Wexford. Wexford need to not go into the championship on the back of a bad game against Limerick. I think it depends on what way both teams prepare and it's the last game before the championship. Both teams are going to have to go for it and show that the form is coming at the right time.”