Former Kildare star named as new Wexford football manager

Former Kildare star Paul McLoughlin has been named as the surprise appointment to take over the Wexford senior footballers in 2018.

Clane native McLoughlin has been living in Rosslare for a number of years and has previously managed the county's minor team and has also been in the backroom staff with former senior managers Jason Ryan and Aidan O'Brien.

He will take over from Seamus McEnaney following the Monaghan man's departure after one season, where he led the Model men to promotion from Division 4 of the National League but endured an underwhelming championship campaign where they lost to Carlow in the Leinster Championship before being hammered by Monaghan in the second round of the qualifiers.

McLoughlin, who was seen as one of the most talented Kildare players of his generation, played for the Lilywhites from 1987 to 1995, clocking up 2-51 for the county in 30 league and championship matches but was blighted by injuries.

Wexford GAA made the announcement last night that MCloughlin had been appointed.

"Wexford GAA confirms that the football selection committee are nominating Paul McLoughlin for the position of Senior Football Manager on a three-year term.

"A former Kildare star, Paul played with the Lilywhites in three Leinster SFC finals. A resident of Rosslare, McLoughlin is a former Manager of the Wexford Minor team and was part of the Senior backroom team under Jason Ryan and Aidan O Brien.

"Paul has assembled a top-class backroom team which will be confirmed following the conclusion of the local club championships."