Wicklow Jersey Fifteen
Who is qualified to wear the Wicklow jersey? Some counties have them; others can only look on in envy. Remember the TV series Celebrity Banisteoir? We think turning the tables on their head would be more fun. So we’ve drawn up a Wicklow Celebrity Selection. We reckon as a unit they would pose more than a few problems.
1 Darren Randolph
You need a solid citizen between the sticks and we could look no further than West Ham keeper Darren Randolph to pull on that no 1 Wicklow jersey. Since claiming the national jersey Darren has done his county proud. A real Wicklow mountain.
2 Dustin the Turkey
At corner back we’re going for Dustin, although it’s always risky playing a turkey at corner back in case they get roasted. (Turkey, roasted? See what we did there?)
3 Fr Jack Hackett
At full back and keeping a tidy square, it has to be Father Jack. Striking the fear of God into the opposition 14. The modern game needs characters.
4 Dara Ó Briain
In the opposite corner to Dustin, we’re going for Dara Ó Briain. A sturdy corner back if ever there was one and a man who’s sure to give us all a laugh. Maybe not the fastest man to ever wear the Wicklow colours, but he’d be a good man for the on pitch banter.
5 Paul McShane
At wing back we’re opting for established soccer player Paul McShane. He may divide opinion among his supporters but we need a wing back that can carry a ball out of defence and hoof it down the field if required. Paul is that man.
6 Charles Stewart Parnell
At centre back we’re going for Charles Stewart Parnell. A selection that’s sure to divide the country in equal parts. A man who directed operations in Ireland for a number of crucial years, we’re certain he can run affairs from the no 6 channel.
7 Eddie Jordan
Opting for pace on the other flank we’re going for Eddie Jordan. He has some engine and a great track record. We think we’ve the right formula for success.
8 Leo Cullen
In midfield, with the mark newly introduced, we need to opt for a bit of height and a jumper that can operate under a high ball. So our high fielding midfielder is Leo Cullen.
Also at midfield we’re going for
9 Richard Crosbie
Richard was the first Irishman to make a manned flight. He flew in a hydrogen air balloon from Ranelagh, on to Clontarf, in 1785. With his aerial experience, there’s no better target man for a kick out, especially if we’re playing a match anywhere near Croke Park.
10 Kevin O’Brien
The modern half forward needs a bit of guile and skill so who other than Wicklow’s only all star Kevin O’Brien, a pure class act in his day. Going on All Star tours he was well used to keeping rock stars happy, so he’ll be at home with some of these big hitters.
11 Leighton Glynn
Another established name at centre forward, we’re picking Leighton Glynn. He’ll need to make the darts for the forward line to throw.
12 Hozier
Someone new, a dazzling talent out the field, the opposition be calling 'take me to church' in no time. One of Wicklow’s most talented sons. A good lad for a song on the way home at the back of the minibus. Good attitude at training too, no tired sighs, no rolling eyes, no 'who cares', and no vacant stares.
13 Reggie Corrigan
In one corner we’re throwing in Reggie Corrigan. We reckon he can drop out the field and win some dirty balls for us. He’s well used to that from chasing the Rugby ball down the hill.
14 Katie Taylor
At full forward the one Wicklow person capable of delivering the knockout blow to the opposition, the one and only Katie Taylor. Woe betide any no.3 who takes any liberties, a quick 1-2 or 1-3 from play will do the job.
15 Agus Uachtarán na hÉireann Cearbhall O’Dalaigh
Yes Wicklow have the distinction of having as a son of Wicklow, a man who pulled on the most important Irish jersey of all. Having Cearbhall O’Dalaigh in your corner, who could ask for more.
An Bainisteoir
The manager? Mick O’Dwyer of course. No better man, having spent time managing the county team, we could look no further.
The 2017 Wicklow GAA Jersey is now available in-stores and online!