Retired Fitzgerald never targeted Ring’s record

RETIRED Clare goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald last night insisted he was never intent on breaking Christy Ring’s record for championship appearances.

Fitzgerald announced his retirement from intercounty hurling on Monday night ending an 18 year career during which he won two All-Ireland SHC titles, three Munster crowns and three All-Stars.

The Sixmilebridge club man played 60 championship games for Clare — three short of Ring’s record — and many commentators felt he was driven to surpass the Cork legend. But Fitzgerald said: “They talk about Christy Ring’s record but listen, you can’t talk about me and Christy Ring in the same sentence. He’s an absolute legend of the game. That record never mattered to me, all that I cared about was playing for Clare. If it mattered to me I’d still be there fighting for my place just for selfish reasons. It doesn’t come into it, and never will.”