FORMER INTER-COUNTY hurler and Wexford legend Martin Storey has been nominated by the Labour Party for co-option to Wexford County Council.

The nomination was made by the Enniscorthy branch of the Labour Party last night and his name will now go forward to the formal party selection process. But the 48-year-old has already received backing from the top as the move was “warmly welcomed” by the party leader Eamon Gilmore.

“I know that Martin has a strong involvement in and commitment to community affairs,” said the Tánaiste. “He will bring this experience to bear on his role as a Labour Councillor.”

The vacancy arose in “very sad” circumstances following the untimely death of Councillor Pat Cody, noted Gilmore, before adding that he has “every confidence that Martin Storey will bring his vast experience as a public figure and as an athlete to bear on the role of public representative”.

“Pat Cody’s shoes may well be difficult to fill, but I can’t think of anybody better qualified to do just that than Martin Storey,” added Brendan Howlin. “The decision of somebody of the calibre of Martin Storey to put himself forward for a position like this is very positive news for the Labour Party at local and national level.”

Storey said it would be a challenge to measure up to his colleague’s work and standing. The men worked together as psychiatric nurses at St Senan’s Hospital in Enniscorthy.

“We owe it to him to honour his memory by continuing his work as a public representative and as a member of the community in Enniscorthy,” he added.

Storey captained his county to All-Ireland Hurling glory in 1996, picking up the Liam McCarthy cup at Croke Park following a historic win against Limerick in the final.

During his 16-year inter-county career, he won three All-Stars (in 1993, 1996 and 1998).

And we’ll just leave this here:

(YouTube: Fenton Elroy-McPele)

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