Gavin Cummiskey asks the veteran Wexford midfielder why he can't wait for Saturday's replay to begin.

For Wexford's over 30s club, this Saturday's replay against Cork takes on a greater significance than most, as the chances of playing in an All-Ireland final becomes more distant with each year. Most will be back next season, but they will be one year older - and probably one yard slower.

After last week, the limbs are undoubtedly sore, but Larry O'Gorman knows these days may not come around again.

However, speaking with him is like talking to one of the younger members of the panel such is his eagerness for the match to arrive.

"If you tell yourself you're tired, well then you are tired. Sure, I remember years ago I used to go out at night, but get up and play the next day - and play well. If you tell yourself you're fit and strong you will be. I know I have the fitness."

At 35, O'Gorman is one of the old hands now. His memory bank has stored up the emotions that winning an All-Ireland can bring. He can't pass them on to his younger team mates, but after last Sunday they now know what its like to play in an all-time classic.

"After the match an old man put his arms around me and said: 'Larry O, now you can say that you played in one of the greatest hurling matches ever.' That was emotional.

"We'll benefit as well as Cork from last week's game, especially the young fellas. They now know that they were just one puck away from beating one of the traditionally great hurling counties."

After an injury-free season O'Gorman refuses to contemplate retirement just yet. During the national league he felt like the "black sheep" of the panel, as he was unable to get a look in.

So he knocked drink on the head and went to work on his physical conditioning. Manager John Conran finally gave him his chance against Kilkenny in the league.

A good performance that day put him back in Conran's plans. Before the Waterford qualifier his manager turned to him and said: "Now Larry, here's your chance." He took it, as did his colleagues.

It was the victory that solidified their inner belief. Something that was absent from their Leinster final performance.

It also alerted the rest of the country to their presence in the championship. Last Sunday was further confirmation.

But still the odds favour Cork. They got a valuable game under their belt after a long lay-off and have younger bones that heal quicker. But the veteran midfielder still sees the cards stacked in Wexford's favour. He sights the experience of the 2001 semi-final replay against Tipperary as the best motivation.

"Two years ago against Tipp we lost the replay. So we have gone through it before and failed to capitalise. But now we know were we stand with regard to replays."

O'Gorman alluded to "mind games" and the character of both teams as places where the game will be won and lost. His manger agreed with him.

"It will be a tight game that will come right down to the wire. A game of character," said Conran. "We're very proud of our character here in Wexford."

It certainly requires a strong nature to motivate a man to pick up a hurl and continue to train after 17 years of top-level competition, but O'Gorman plays on without a complaint.

His father and sister have been ill recently. "My father had to go into hospital for a by-pass recently. I still had that in my head going into the game last week, but I love playing for Wexford.

"If this Saturday is my last match for Wexford then so be it. Hurling has been good to me. At times it has been cruel on the wife, kids and social life, but in the end due to all the highs it has been worth it.

"It's been a long journey and I've given my heart, soul, skin and bone for Wexford. I continue because I have wanted to be a winner all my life. I always had that about me and it's still with me." A valuable commodity in any sphere of life.