Martin Storey
Encyclopedia
Martin Storey is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling
with his local club Oulart-the Ballagh
and was a member of the Wexford
senior inter-county team from 1986 until 2001. Storey captained Wexford to All-Ireland
victory in 1996 and is regarded as one of the county's greatest-ever hurlers. .
club in Wexford. The club had never won a senior county championship title in its history when Storey began his club hurling career. All this changed in 1994 when Oulart-the Ballagh and Storey captured the county title. He added a second county championship to his collection in 1995. A third county medal followed for Storey in 1997. The new century brought further success for the famous side as Storey added two further back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005. His side were beaten in their quest for a third consecutive county championship in 2006.
minor and under-21 hurling teams. He had little success in either grade before making his senior championship debut against Kilkenny
in 1986.
It was not a happy time to be a Wexford hurler. The county had been pushed back into third place in the Leinster Championship
behind both Kilkenny and Offaly. Provincial final appearances in 1988 and 1992 brought nothing but defeat for Storey's team. In 1993 Wexford looked set for glory when they reached the final of the National Hurling League
. The opponents on that occasion were Cork, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay saw extra-time being played, however, both sides ended level once again. At the third attempt Cork emerged victorious by 3-11 to 1-12. In spite of this defeat expectations were still high for the Leinster championship. In the final of that competition Wexford drew with arch rivals and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and there was hope of success. The replay was a different affair as Kilkenny won handily enough by 2-12 to 0-11. In spite of this Storey wa slater presented with his first All-Star
award.
Wexford were defeated in the Leinster final again in 1994 before disappearing from the championship at the first hurdle in 1995. By 1996 things were beginning to change in Wexford, thanks in no small way to the new manager Liam Griffin
. Storey was appointed captain for the year. Offaly provided the opposition on that occasion; however, history was made as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. It was Storey's first senior Leinster title and Wexford’s first since 1977. Wexford later defeated Galway
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Limerick
. The Munster men were slight favourites going into the game. They were the beaten finalists of 1994 and had already beaten Clare
, the reigning champions, in the Munster Championship
. The game was far from a classic; however, it did provide excitement. Tom Dempsey
was the hero of the day as he scored a goal after nineteen minutes to give Wexford a major advantage. His side led by 1-8 to 0-10 at half-time in spite of having Éamonn Scallan
sent off. Wexford took a four-point lead in the second-half; however, this was whittled back to two points as Wexford hung on for the last twenty minutes. The final score of 1-13 to 0-14 showed how vital Dempsey’s goal was. It was Storey's first All-Ireland
medal and Wexford’s first since 1968. He was subsequently presented with a second All-Star award.
Storey captured a second Leinster medal in 1997 as Kilkenny fell in the provincial decider. 1997, however, saw the introduction of the so-called ‘back-door’ system whereby the defeated Munster and Leinster finalists were allowed back into the All-Ireland championship at the quarter-final stage. Because of this Wexford’s opponents in the All-Ireland semi-final were Tipperary
, the Munster runners-up. On that occasion Wexford were outclassed by Tipp who won by 2-16 to 0-15.
The following few years proved difficult as Wexford and Storey faced a resurgent Kilkenny that would win the next six Leinster titles. In spite of a lack of success on the field of play he won a third All-Star award in 1998. Storey retired from inter-county hurling in 2000 following two years of heavy defeats for Wexford in the provincial championship]]. He returned briefly the following season, making substitute appearances against Tipperary in the drawn and replayed All-Ireland semi-finals.
in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He collected two Railway Cup medals as Leinster defeated Ulster
in 1993 and Connacht
in 1998.
team. He has also been involved with the successful Colaiste Bríde teams in Enniscorthy
, who have had so much success in All-Ireland schools competitions. While still a senior player Storey had a major influence as part of the management team of the club’s under-21 team. During his tenure as a selector the team regained the county premier championship title. His name has also been mentioned as a possible future manager
of the Wexford senior hurling team.
On January 17, 2008 Storey was profiled on the TG4
television programme Laochra Gael
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
sportsperson. He played hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Oulart-the Ballagh
Oulart the Ballagh
Oulart the Ballagh are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Wexford. Oulart have won the Wexford Senior Hurling Championship on six occasions, most recently in 2007. Their main rivals are Buffer's Alley...
and was a member of the Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior inter-county team from 1986 until 2001. Storey captained Wexford to All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
victory in 1996 and is regarded as one of the county's greatest-ever hurlers. .
Club
Storey played his club hurling with the famous Oulart-the BallaghOulart the Ballagh
Oulart the Ballagh are a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Wexford. Oulart have won the Wexford Senior Hurling Championship on six occasions, most recently in 2007. Their main rivals are Buffer's Alley...
club in Wexford. The club had never won a senior county championship title in its history when Storey began his club hurling career. All this changed in 1994 when Oulart-the Ballagh and Storey captured the county title. He added a second county championship to his collection in 1995. A third county medal followed for Storey in 1997. The new century brought further success for the famous side as Storey added two further back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005. His side were beaten in their quest for a third consecutive county championship in 2006.
Inter-county
Storey first came to prominence on the inter-county scene in the early 1980s as a member of the WexfordWexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
minor and under-21 hurling teams. He had little success in either grade before making his senior championship debut against Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
in 1986.
It was not a happy time to be a Wexford hurler. The county had been pushed back into third place in the Leinster Championship
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
behind both Kilkenny and Offaly. Provincial final appearances in 1988 and 1992 brought nothing but defeat for Storey's team. In 1993 Wexford looked set for glory when they reached the final of the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
. The opponents on that occasion were Cork, however, the game ended in a draw. The replay saw extra-time being played, however, both sides ended level once again. At the third attempt Cork emerged victorious by 3-11 to 1-12. In spite of this defeat expectations were still high for the Leinster championship. In the final of that competition Wexford drew with arch rivals and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny and there was hope of success. The replay was a different affair as Kilkenny won handily enough by 2-12 to 0-11. In spite of this Storey wa slater presented with his first All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
Wexford were defeated in the Leinster final again in 1994 before disappearing from the championship at the first hurdle in 1995. By 1996 things were beginning to change in Wexford, thanks in no small way to the new manager Liam Griffin
Liam Griffin
Liam Griffin is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling at various times with his local clubs Rosslare and Newmarket-on Fergus with the Wexford and Clare senior inter-county teams in the 1960s. Griffin later served as manager of the Wexford senior inter-county team...
. Storey was appointed captain for the year. Offaly provided the opposition on that occasion; however, history was made as Wexford won by 2-23 to 2-15. It was Storey's first senior Leinster title and Wexford’s first since 1977. Wexford later defeated Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the penultimate game of the championship, setting up an All-Ireland final meeting with Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
. The Munster men were slight favourites going into the game. They were the beaten finalists of 1994 and had already beaten Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
, the reigning champions, in the Munster Championship
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
. The game was far from a classic; however, it did provide excitement. Tom Dempsey
Tom Dempsey (hurler)
Tom Dempsey is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Buffer's Alley and with the Wexford senior inter-county team from 1984 until 2000.-Club:...
was the hero of the day as he scored a goal after nineteen minutes to give Wexford a major advantage. His side led by 1-8 to 0-10 at half-time in spite of having Éamonn Scallan
Éamonn Scallan
Éamonn Scallan is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ferns-St. Aidan's and with the Wexford senior inter-county team in the 1990s and 2000s.- References :...
sent off. Wexford took a four-point lead in the second-half; however, this was whittled back to two points as Wexford hung on for the last twenty minutes. The final score of 1-13 to 0-14 showed how vital Dempsey’s goal was. It was Storey's first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal and Wexford’s first since 1968. He was subsequently presented with a second All-Star award.
Storey captured a second Leinster medal in 1997 as Kilkenny fell in the provincial decider. 1997, however, saw the introduction of the so-called ‘back-door’ system whereby the defeated Munster and Leinster finalists were allowed back into the All-Ireland championship at the quarter-final stage. Because of this Wexford’s opponents in the All-Ireland semi-final were Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
, the Munster runners-up. On that occasion Wexford were outclassed by Tipp who won by 2-16 to 0-15.
The following few years proved difficult as Wexford and Storey faced a resurgent Kilkenny that would win the next six Leinster titles. In spite of a lack of success on the field of play he won a third All-Star award in 1998. Storey retired from inter-county hurling in 2000 following two years of heavy defeats for Wexford in the provincial championship]]. He returned briefly the following season, making substitute appearances against Tipperary in the drawn and replayed All-Ireland semi-finals.
Province
Storey also lined out with LeinsterLeinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He collected two Railway Cup medals as Leinster defeated Ulster
Ulster GAA
The Ulster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, and handball in the province of Ulster. The headquarters of the Ulster GAA is based in Armagh City....
in 1993 and Connacht
Connacht GAA
The Connacht Council are a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Connacht.-Constituent counties:*Galway*Leitrim*Mayo*Roscommon*Sligo-Special counties:...
in 1998.
Post-playing career
In retirement from playing Storey has maintained a keen interest in the game. In 2002 he took over as trainer of the Wexford senior camogieCamogie
Camogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
team. He has also been involved with the successful Colaiste Bríde teams in Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy is the second largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. The population of the town and environs is 9538. The Placenames Database of Ireland sheds no light on the origins of the town's name. It may refer either to the "Island of Corthaidh" or the "Island of Rocks". With a history going...
, who have had so much success in All-Ireland schools competitions. While still a senior player Storey had a major influence as part of the management team of the club’s under-21 team. During his tenure as a selector the team regained the county premier championship title. His name has also been mentioned as a possible future manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
of the Wexford senior hurling team.
On January 17, 2008 Storey was profiled on the TG4
TG4
TG4 is a public service broadcaster for Irish language speakers. The channel has been on-air since 31 October 1996 in the Republic of Ireland and since April 2005 in Northern Ireland....
television programme Laochra Gael
Laochra Gael
Laochra Gael which means Gaelic heroes in the Irish language is an Irish television programme. Now its seventh series the show profiles and celebrates some of the greatest names in Gaelic games since the 1940s. Each of the programmes contains interviews with the subject, archive footage of their...
.