Tony Dempsey achieved everything in life that was possible for one man. No task or venture that he took on failed, let it be in G.A.A. management or representing clubs in every part of the county. No individual has put so much energy, commitment, and enthusiasm as the likable Tony Dempsey from Barntown, but formerly from Davidstown.

During a brilliant career in all aspects of the sport, he has accomplished so much and was at the helm at everything where G.A.A. was concerned. He never spared himself either in helping out in the G.A.A. scene or in his public life. Tony is known far and wide for the great work he had done for fostering Club Teams and County Wexford Teams over many years. He was a remarkable man. He was some man for one man.

He could never say no to any Club that needed his knowledge and expertise to help their Clubs to move up a gear in the Grades. When Tony was in charge of a Club or County, his policy was forthright and simple. He believed that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing right. He never showed favouritism towards any player, no matter what his standing was, whether it be at School Level or as Manager.

He won Co. Titles with Bridgetown Vocational School, Sheilbeggan Vocational School, Ramsgrange Community College, and Enniscorthy Vocational School. He won Leinster and All Ireland Titles with Ramsgrange Community College and Leinster Titles with Sheilbeggan Vocational School. He was also the top man with Wexford Vocational Teams too.

In his playing career, Tony played with – Realt Na Mára, Courtown. At Adult Level his native Club was – Davidstown- Courtnacuddy. When in the C.B.S., Enniscorthy, he won – 1 Leinster and Senior Title.

His record in training and as a Manager of many Clubs must be one of the greatest ever – Davidstown- Courtnacuddy, St. Anne’s-St. Pat’s, Rathnure, Ferns, Monageer-Boolavogue, St. James’s, Ramsgrange, Horeswood, Glynn-Barntown, Marshalstown, Bannow-Ballymitty, Rapperees, Shelmaliers, Our Lady’s Island and Liam Mellows, Coolgreany.

At Inter Co. Level, he trained and managed Wexford at – Minor, U’21, Junior, Intermediate and Senior – in both Hurling and Football.

He was Chairman of the Wexford Co. Board from 1976 to 1980, Central Council Rep from 1980 to 2002, and again in 2014 to the present day.

Tony was born in 1944 and was educated at Davidstown N.S., Enniscorthy C.B.S., N.U.I., Maynooth and U.C.D..

His Boyhood Hero was – Nickey Rackard R.I.P.. Two of the best Goalie’s he has seen in Wexford were – Pat Nolan (Olyegate) and Damien Fitzhenry (Kilanerin). In Football, the two best Goalie’s he has seen were – Martin Furlong (Offaly) and John Cooper (Wexford).

One of the greatest Games of Hurling he has seen was – Wexford vs Offaly – in the 1996 Leinster Senior Final.

The four greatest Hurlers he has seen were – Brian Whelehan (Offaly), D.J. Carey (Kilkenny), Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) and Nicky English (Wexford).

In Wexford, in the last 40 yrs., the Players that impressed Tony the most were – Tony Doran (Buffers Alley), Mick Jacob Snr. (Rathnure), Martin Quigley (Rathnure), George O’Connor (St. Martin’s) and Billy Byrne.

The greatest of them all was – Brian Whelehan (Offaly). In Football, brilliant Players were – Mattie Forde (Kilanerin), Mick Carty (Wexford), Peter Canavan (Tyrone), Pat Spillane (Kerry), Dermot Earley R.I.P. and Brian Mullins (Dublin).

The two best Dual Players he has seen outside of Wexford were – Liam Currams (Offaly) and Pat Dunney (Kildare).

In Wexford, he selects – Martin Quigley (Rathnure) and George O’Connor (St. Martin’s) – as two of the best dual players he has seen.

The Davidstown-Courtnacuddy Players that impressed Tony the most were – Liam Kehoe, Jimmy Nolan, Paddy Cloke and Andy Carty.

The best Club Team he has seen in Club Hurling was – Buffers Alley Team – lead by – Tony Doran.