Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Eoin Brosnan | Paddy Bradley | Sean Cavanagh Aidan Carr | Kevin Cassidy | Ronan Clarke | Bryan Cullen | Colm Cooper
Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Kieran Donahy | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Leighton Glynn | Ciaran Hanratty
Stephen Kernan | James Masters | Andy McClean | Oisin McConville
Ciaran McDonald | Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Barry Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty | Adrian Morrissey | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Nicholas Murphy | Eamon O'Hara | Stephen O'Neill
Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé | Declan O'Sullivan | Colm Parkinson | Tomás Quinn
Donal Shine | Ciaran Whelan | Fergal Doherty
One of the big stories of 2008 was the Wexford footballer’s journey to the All-Ireland semi-final. After a terrible defeat to Dublin in the Leinster final, the Model County bounced back to beat Down and Armagh. For too long they were considered a one-man team but in 2008 Wexford proved they have plenty more great players than just Mattie Forde - Adrian Morrissey being one of them. The wing-back was named Man of the Match against Laois and was one of the country’s top defenders this year. He is a typical modern half-back who tackles hard and likes to run forward in support of the attack. He has also been known to kick a point or two. A Model footballer for the future.
What was it like having most of the country supporting Wexford this year?
We got that impression during the year and we were getting well wishes from people all over the country. We were looked upon as a weaker county in football and everybody likes to see the underdogs do well.
What is Jason Ryan’s secret?
He has no major secret. He is so organised in training that every angle is covered coming up to the big games. He changes the team to suit the game of the other team. He also makes the training and the football enjoyable, a lot of credit goes to him.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
There were two this year. We won the National League Div 3 title with Wexford and I recently won the Dublin Championship with my club Kilmacud Crokes. They were two great days.
Which is the toughest team you have faced?
Definitely it has to be Tyrone. They are pure class. They are without doubt the most skilful team I’ve played against.
Who was your toughest ever opponent?
I marked Kieran McGeeney a few years ago in Crossmaglen when we played Armagh. He was very tough to play against.
Which players do you admire the most?
The player I most admire is Brian Dooher because he has been on the scene for so long. He is a great role model and the way he can stay at the top of his game is very impressive.
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
I always admired Roy Keane when I was younger for the amount of passion he brings when he plays. He inspired a lot of people.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
Now that I play in Dublin with Kilmacud Crokes it is St Vincent’s. For the last few years the two of us always seem to be playing each other in big games, as we both want to win the Championship every year.
How do you balance your job and football?
I’m lucky that I’m a teacher and I finish school early. Some players find it a lot harder with their jobs, but my job is ideal with the hours I work.
What’s the most important skill in your opinion?
I think it is kicking the ball. It is sometimes overlooked, but it is a very important to practise so you can pass the ball well.
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Train hard and listen to what people are telling you. Everyone has something good to say and listen to all bits of advice. Also, just try to do everything to the best of your ability.
What are your hopes for Wexford’s future?
First we need to stay in Division 2 and hopefully get promoted to the top flight. In the Championship we want to do well in Leinster and try to get to the final again. Then we’ll see how far we can go.
Name: Adrian Morrissey
Age: 26
Team: Wexford
Debut: 2003
Position: Wing-Back
Honours:
1 National Football League Div 3 title,
1 Dublin Senior Football title,
1 Wexford Intermediate Football title.
Club: Kilmacud Crokes
Fav Food: Chicken Wings from Elephant and Castle in Dublin.
Fav Book: Pole to Pole by Michael Palin
Fav Band: Oasis
Fav Movie: Wedding Crashers
Fav TV: Lost
Occupation: Teacher
CúlFACT
Morrissey captained his home club Taghmon-Camross to the Wexford Intermediate
title in 2001, aged just 19.
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