SHC Qualifier Round Three: Ian O'Riordan talks to Larry O'Gorman, a Wexford stalwart who has his sights firmly set on helping his team-mates pick themselves up after their disheartening defeat in the Leinster final

Picture the scene at Wexford hurling training last Wednesday evening. Heads still a little low after defeat to Kilkenny in the Leinster final and only three days before the Waterford game that might well define their season. In these days of farewell it was no time for sympathy, only instinct.

So manager John Conran has one last look around and then announces his starting line-up. There are changes; called into midfield is Larry O'Gorman. Players all around smile, knowing the man is still as versatile, and still as dangerous. No one is surprised.

Yet for O'Gorman there was never any farewell to arms. At 35, his best days might be behind him but he wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in him now. He only made one passing appearance during the league and played no part in either the Kilkenny or Offaly championship matches, but deep down he knew he still had something to offer.

"I know things have to change," he says, "and the time comes when you have to step aside and let other guys take over. But I find that hard, because I'm still so passionate about Wexford hurling. It's like having your own bone, and you don't want anyone else to have a lick. But I do realise that these things have to be handed over.

"But I hung in there. I did all the training and never complained. When you don't get the games you do wonder for a while if it's all worth it, and would you be better off doing something else. But when you care as much about the Wexford jersey as I do, you won't call time up easily. And I suppose this is the reward for hanging in there."

Through those moments of frustration, when the league and then the championship seemed to be passing him by, O'Gorman found solace in the belief in his own ability. The sort of belief that has never faltered since the heights of the 1996 All-Ireland final, when O'Gorman helped define Wexford's day at wing back, from where he also showed up for two points.

Now that he's got another chance he'll know exactly what to do with it. Playing Waterford later this evening is as great a challenge as he has ever faced in his 15 years playing senior hurling with Wexford. Yet he still longs for these days.

"I don't think people really know how I feel about it. I didn't sleep a wink after training on Wednesday I was so excited about it. At the moment I'd say I'm more excited about Saturday evening than anyone else on the Wexford team.

"In fact a lot of close friends had been saying to me to pack it in after the league when I wasn't being used. That I should go back to the club or take up golf or whatever. I'm so passionate about the game that I don't listen to those things. I just listen to myself.

"Of course I'll know the day will come when I can't keep up with guys in training, and when I'm looking for excuses not to go training. When that happens it's definitely time to call it a day. Right now I might not be the most skilful hurler in Wexford anymore, but I'm still the most determined. I want to help bring some success back to Wexford hurling, because I know how much it means to a lot of people.

"I was still never sure my chance would come again. I had some hints over the last few days. But it was like the Lotto. I was guaranteed nothing until my number came up."

O'Gorman's return is not the only major shake-up for this evening. In defence Dave Guiney will see championship action for the first time since 1997, and two fresher faces - Michael Jacob and Chris McGrath - have been given starts in the forward line.

O'Gorman knew too that changes were necessary. "I felt the team's frame of mind was very good going into the Leinster final. We were relaxed and well focused. I thought the standard of hurling from both sides in the first half wasn't great. The plan was to stop Kilkenny hurling well, and take the advantage in the second half. Then they got the start we wanted in the second half with that goal from Eddie Brennan, and it just lifted them.

"We were on the back foot after that, and things weren't working for us. Their half-back line really took control and we just found it hard to break down the barrier. But I've looked at that game again two or three times and it seemed Kilkenny got an awful lot of lucky breaks. But you only get those if you work hard, and on the day they deserved their win. I just don't think the score did us justice."

"But I suppose the selectors had to make some changes. When I came back training this year I looked around and saw a lot of new talent around, like young Jacob and (Keith) Rossiter. I thought it was a great set-up, and the training was going very well. And that's what was most disappointing about the Kilkenny game. That we didn't play to our best. The high performances at the end of the league proved we are a match for anyone, and I just feel we are capable of achieving a lot more than that."

What they face this evening in Nowlan Park is a Waterford team equally determined to salvage something from their season after surrendering their Munster title. That practically guarantees a high-tension, high-octane sort of game, just like O'Gorman still dreams about.

"But look, I'm not getting over-excited about it either. I'm relaxed about it as well because I thought all along I would get big games this year. I know I'm 35 but sure I still think like I'm 21. I've no grey hairs yet either, even if the younger boys reckon I must be using shoe polish.

"And to be honest I've been doing a lot of extra stuff over the last few weeks, like going to the handball alley, to help with the mental attitude. I would always do something extra to help feel I have one up on some other guys. Just pucking the ball against the wall, and spend more time with the hurley. I think a lot of guys don't spend enough time with the hurl, and spend too much time chasing things around a field. But you always need to have your eye on the ball.

"So I think John Conran and the selectors saw that, that Larry's old eye is back so let's give him his chance. But it's a 15-man game, and if I can do my part like everyone else I think we're in with a great shout."

A limited number of terrace tickets for tonight's All-Ireland hurling championship qualifier between Wexford and Waterford at Nowlan Park will go on sale from 4.15pm this evening in Kilkenny. The tickets can be purchased from mobile ticket outlets at the Texaco filling station on the Carlow Road and at the back of the Railway Station on the Hebron Road.

Tickets for tomorrow's Leinster football finals will be on sale from the Leinster Council offices in Portlaoise this morning from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and tomorrow in Dublin from 11.30 a.m. at ticket booths on the North Circular Road (opposite Gills Pub) and Drumcondra Road (opposite Quinns). Car Parking will be available in Clonliffe College.

The presentation of the trophy to the Leinster senior football champions will take place on the pitch at Croke Park after tomorrow's final. The presentation will be made by Leinster Council Chairman Nicky Brennan on a stage, visible from all areas of the ground, and the winning team will have an opportunity to perform a lap of honour.

Patrons will not be permitted to enter the field when the game has ended and the GAA have asked supporters to co-operate with stewards in this regard to ensure the safety of players, match officials and, of course, the supporters themselves.