Wexford hurling boss Keith Rossiter loses another key player

Matthew O’Hanlon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling, after 14 seasons with Wexford.

The 33-year-old St. James’ (Ramsgrange) clubman was the longest-serving member of manager Keith Rossiter’s squad, having been part of the Wexford senior set-up since 2011.

O’Hanlon made his debut against Galway in the 2011 National League before going on to make his first championship appearance against Antrim that summer.

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He went on to make 140 competitive appearances for his county, with 70 of them coming in championship hurling.

O’Hanlon took over as Wexford captain under Liam Dunne in 2014, and was skipper until 2017, when Lee Chin joined him as co-captain.

The pair lifted the Leinster Championship in 2019, bridging a gap back to 2005 when Wexford had last landed the Bob O’Keeffe Cup.

Davy Fitzgerald’s side were narrowly defeated by Tipperary in the 2019 All-Ireland semi-final.

O’Hanlon also holds three Walsh Cup medals (2018, 2020, and 2024) and an inter-provincial title with Leinster (2014), while he received All Star nominations in 2016, 2017, and 2019.

Before he established himself as a senior hurling stalwart, O’Hanlon was a county dual player at minor and under-21 level.

He was part of the Wexford under-21 side that upset the odds to land the 2011 Leinster title, defeating Longford in the final.

O’Hanlon won a senior football championship with St. James’ in 2015, and helped the club's hurlers rise from the bottom division of hurling in Wexford to the intermediate grade, winning several junior and intermediate ‘A’ hurling titles along the way.

He has never had the opportunity to line out at senior level in club hurling, as his side suffered disappointment in intermediate deciders of 2023 and 2024.

Off the field, O’Hanlon has been centrally involved in improving support for inter county players with the Gaelic Players Association for a number of years, and most recently served a three-year term as co-chairperson.

Announcing his retirement, O'Hanlon said: ‘It’s with great difficulty, but also with immense pride and gratitude, that I announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.

“It’s been a privilege to wear the purple and gold and one of the greatest honours of my life to have had the opportunity to lead this group.

“I’ve loved every minute of it and will cherish the friendships and memories I’ve made forever.

‘I am incredibly grateful to all my teammates, managers, coaches, Wexford supporters, the County Board and all those behind the scenes who supported me and the team to be the best we could be over the years.

“Your hard work and dedication has been invaluable - thank you. I wish to extend a special word of thanks to my club, St. James, who encouraged and supported me every step of the way.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family and friends, especially my parents Anne and Luke, sisters Katie and Chloe, and partner Ciara for your unwavering loyalty and support.

“Finally, I’d like to wish Keith Rossitter and all of the team the very best of luck for the 2025 season and beyond. Loch Garman Abú!’

Wexford boss Rossiter said: “I would like to thank Matthew for the commitment and dedication that he has given to his county over the past 14 seasons.

“Once he settled into his place, he rapidly became a leader amongst his peers and has played a very influential role over the past number of years.

“A player of immense skill and talent, he has battled with the best, never losing his ability to be true to his own very fine character.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have both played with and managed such a great player.

“I wish him every happiness and success in the future. I would also like to pay tribute to his family who have supported and encouraged Matthew throughout his hurling career."

Wexford GAA Chairperson, John Kenny said: “On behalf of all supporters, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Matthew O’Hanlon for the contribution he made to Wexford GAA over so many years.

“Matthew continued a long family tradition with the Association. A true leader and warrior, he has been one of Wexford’s most consistent performers at both inter-county and club level for many seasons.

“On the field he displayed tremendous courage and tenacity and was never found wanting in the heat of battle, while off the field Matthew was an excellent ambassador for Wexford.

“Finally, on behalf of CLG Loch Garman, I thank him for his dedication and service to Wexford, and I wish him well in the future.”

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