Wexford have installed Derek McGrath as their new senior manager, the former Waterford boss being handed a three-year term to replace Keith Rossiter.
McGrath, who guided his native Waterford to the 2017 All-Ireland final, the high-point of his tumultuous five year term in charge, was recommended by the selection committee and his nomination was accepted by delegates at tonight’s county board meeting.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Wexford chairman John Kenny expressed confidence that McGrath was the right person to lead the county forward.
“Derek has consistently demonstrated throughout his career that he is an outstanding coach and leader, with an exceptional knowledge of the game and a proven ability to develop players and teams…
“The appointment of a senior inter-county manager is one of the most important decisions any county can make, and we are confident that Derek is the right person to lead Wexford hurling into its next chapter.”
The appointment marks McGrath’s return to the inter-county managerial paddock after an absence of eight years. He stepped down as Waterford manager at the conclusion of the 2018 season, when the Déise failed to escape the Munster SHC in the inaugural round robin, a trend that has continued in the intervening years.
McGrath had been appointed as Waterford manager in October 2013, initially overseeing a transitional campaign in 2014 before guiding them to successive All-Ireland semi-finals in 2015 and 2016.
The following year, they went one step further, reaching a first All-Ireland decider in nine years, though they ultimately lost to Galway.
In recent years, he led Doon to their first ever Limerick SHC title in 2024.
He assumes the Wexford job after a difficult couple of years for the county, the Yellowbellies failing to emerge from the Leinster SHC in three of the past four seasons.