Wexford Youths/Wexford FC haven’t welcomed too many visiting clubs from the English Leagues to
Ferrycarrig Park. I can remember only Wolves, Charlton, Bradford and Wimbledon. Even rarer than
visits by English clubs to Ferrycarrig Park, however, are pieces of writing, whether fact or fiction, on
the playing of the people’s game in Wexford. Thus, it’s a delight to welcome Kenan Furlong’s fine
novel on the fictional playing career of Declan “Deccy” Tennant, who uses the visit to Wexford of an
under-sixteen team from QPR as the springboard towards a possible career in football.
A book which is short enough to be read in one sitting, Kenan skilfully depicts the difficulties faced
by youngsters in Wexford during the 1980s, as well as the outlet which football offered as a possible
means of escape from the economic malaise of the time. “Deccy” also has other familial hurdles to
cross, however. It’s also a delight to see an appearance being made by a fictional player, “Weso”
Ferdinand, who must be modelled on Les Ferdinand who had such a good spell as a player with QPR.
Kenan, a former pupil of St. Peter’s College, confirms at the beginning of the book that the author’s
proceeds from its sale will be generously donated to the Irish Cancer Society. The book will prove to
be a “must-buy” for anyone interested in football in Wexford and beyond as well as contributing
towards the fight against an all too prevalent disease in the world today.
Dermot McCarthy
