Hurling still fun for Davy Fitzgerald but no longer his number one priority

Ireland’s Fittest Family Coach Davy Fitzgerald pictured as Londis launch their 7th year as lead sponsor of Ireland’s Fittest Family. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile.

Though he could be one of those affected should rules change, Davy Fitzgerald wouldn’t oppose a discussion on the possibility of the GAA restricting clubs and counties to appointing managers from within their own ranks.

Fitzgerald has been one of the most travelled inter-county managers in recent years. Outside of his native Clare, he has managed Waterford on two occasions, along with Wexford, and currently Antrim.

“I certainly wouldn't be against debate in that aspect and other aspects,” Fitzgerald said at the launch of Londis' sponsorship of  Ireland’s Fittest Family.

“Whether it is right or wrong, I think that needs to be looked at. I think there are managers gone in, and they've done massive things, and also people from within have done okay. There's an argument for both in it.”

Last week, a GPA survey found that 75% of inter-county players think managers should receive a formal payment above and beyond what they currently get in expenses.

Fitzgerald believes the possibility of managers receiving a stipend or salary is an issue the GAA should consider, though it should not be their number one priority. He was unwilling to say what he believes that is.

“Is the GAA generating more than it's ever generated? Probably. It goes hand-in-hand, doesn't it? Just look at the overall picture of how that works,” Fitzgerald said.

He added: “We're an amateur organisation probably, but we've a lot of full-time people there as well, don't we? A lot.” 

Fitzgerald feels hurling doesn’t require the type of radical surgery which Gaelic football had this year but believes there are aspects around the game which could be nipped and tucked. Those include a communication process which would allow managers to discuss decisions with referees post-match; the creation of NFL-style crews of officials which would operate together throughout a season; and referees being taken care of better.

Fitzgerald’s first season in charge of Antrim ended in disappointment as they were relegated from the Leinster Championship to the Joe McDonagh Cup. He then took time to consider his future.

“To go in and out in one year would be a bit unfair,” he said.

“I think it's important that I, no matter what, give a second year and do my absolute best to be the best I can for them.

“There was a lot of learning in the first year. A lot of things I found hard. In management, you've always got to adapt as well. I'll put it this way: if I managed the way I did ten years ago, I think I'd be fucked. You've got to change. You have to self-reflect.

“Would I say I was a brilliant manager for Antrim in 2025? No. I'd say I worked hard on certain things, achieved certain things I wanted to. I think there were things I could have been better on myself. There was a lot of thinking, a lot of soul-searching, but I believe it was the right thing to do.” 

Inter-county teams are permitted to return to collective training on November 21. It will mean an eight-month inter-county season. Last week, a survey of inter-county players found that 92% want the season reduced to seven months or less. Fitzgerald does not oppose the shorter season – though he does feel it is rushed as it is – but thinks if it is installed, all teams should adhere to the schedule.

“I get exactly what the players are saying,” said Fitzgerald.

“All I say when you do something everyone has to do it. We all have to do it. We've got to be clear when we say something, we've got to do something. They can't have half of us do something, half of us not because what ends up then is you'll say ‘Well this county did this, this county did that, and I'm not going to do that next year’.

“All I say to you is if we do something we've got to do it.” 

Whether he’ll still be in an inter-county role if and when that change happens is uncertain. Fitzgerald said his perspective on hurling has changed since the arrival of his son Daithi Óg in 2022.

“I had Colm when I was a lot younger, and when you're younger and you think you're invincible,” he said. “Maybe you don't see things as clear when you're younger. Or when you get a bit older, you reflect a bit more. Do I see things a small bit different with Daithí Óg? Yeah, maybe I'd like to be around a small bit more. I try as hard as I can in that department now. I'm more aware of stuff. How long more I'll go county-wise, I don't know.

“All I know is Antrim for 2026, I want to give every single thing I can. Hurling for me has been fun, it's been up and down. I've enjoyed the spin. 

“Is it the most important thing now in my life? No. I love it. I love it still. But no, it's not number one in my life. Would I have said that probably 10 years ago? I don't know.”