Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Brian Phelan | David O'Callaghan | JJ Delaney | Pádraic Maher | Shane McGrath
Wexford’s ace shotstopper Damien Fitzhenry has been a constant in the Slaneysiders’ number one shirt for what seems like an age. He is a goalkeeper whose skills are widely recognised as among the best the game of hurling has ever seen. These skills were on display again in 2006, as they will next year.
And the Duffry Rovers clubman is as hungry for success as he was when he first burst onto the inter-county scene in 1993. Since his Senior debut that year against Westmeath he has played over 130 competitive games for Wexford. Interestingly, he also tried his hand at the other end of the pitch as a forward, but settled into his berth between the sticks in the 1996 Championship as he helped his county to Leinster and All-Ireland glory.
Wexford have failed to win hurling’s highest prize since then, but Fitzhenry has marshalled the goalmouth for two further Leinster title wins in 1997 and 2004, which helped him secure All-Star Awards in both of those years.
Wexford failed to impress in 2006, but with Fitzhenry around for another year at least, nothing is impossible in the future.
How do you rate the 2006 season?
From a Wexford point of view, it was disappointing to lose to Clare like we did, we didn’t do ourselves justice at all. Overall in the Championship there weren’t that many great games and Cork and Kilkenny got to the final again. The rest will have to work harder to get back up the top.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
For me, beating Limerick in the 1996 All-Ireland Final has to be the greatest moment. It was a great time for Wexford hurling.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
It has to be Kilkenny. Every year they seem to come out with a better team.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
The hardest player to keep an eye on was definitely DJ Carey. He was known for the unknown, so you had to keep on your toes when he was on the prowl.
Which save, in your opinion, was your best ever?
It was in the Leinster Final against Offaly in 2004. Damian Murray hit a rasper. It was definitely goal-bound but I managed to get a stick to it and put it out for a 65.
Which player do you admire the most?
Henry Shefflin.
Who was your childhood hero?
Mick Jacob. He was a legend for Wexford in the 60s and 70s. His sons
Rory and Michael now play for the county.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play both football and hurling for Duffry Rovers. I play at full-forward for the hurlers which is a nice change of scenery. Raperees are our biggest rivals in hurling and Bunclody in football.
Do you play any other sports?
I play golf, squash, and do some horseriding. I also took part in the Poc Fada three times which was fun, and I came second in 2005.
How many hurls do you have at a game?
I have four. Two stopping sticks and two puck-out sticks. I use the puck-out sticks to take penalty shots as well.
What’s the most important skill for a goal-keeper, in your opinion?
It’s all about concentration. The game can go from end to end in seconds so you have to be alert at all times.
What are your hopes for the future?
There are a lot of young lads coming through and let’s hope we can get back up there and take on the top teams.
What advice would you give to young players?
It’s all about practise. Get a ball and find a wall and sharpen your skills on your own when you are not training.
Name: Damien Fitzhenry
Age: 32
Team: Wexford
Debut: 1993 v Laois
Position: Goalkeeper
Honours:
1 All-Ireland Senior title,
3 Leinster Senior titles,
4 County Club Football titles,
6 Walsh Cup titles,
2 All-Star Awards.
Club: Duffry Rovers
Fav Food: Steak and Chips
Fav Book: Roy Keane’s autobiography
Fav Music: Christy Moore
Fav Film: Any Given Sunday
Fav TV: The Sunday Game
Fav Team: Man Utd
Hobbies: Horse riding and golf
Occupation: Sales rep
CÚLFACT: Amazingly, Damien once lined out with his seven brothers (Fran,
Paddy, Noel, Ger, Martin, Seamus and John) in a county final against
Glynn-Barntown. © December 2006 |
