Officials urge Fitzgerald to stay on as manager

SENIOR Waterford GAA officials are hopeful that Davy Fitzgerald will remain at the helm next season.

Though the county struggles to come to grips with their crushing loss to Kilkenny in Sunday’s All-Ireland final, there is huge support for the Sixmilebridge man to retain the Bainisteoir’s bib.

Local radio station WLR were yesterday inundated with calls of support for the former all-star to lead the county in the 2009 season.

County board bosses are remaining tightlipped but secretary John O’Leary, speaking in a personal capacity, expressed hope that the Clare man will continue in the role.

Reasoned O’Leary: “He has the backing, the support, and most importantly the respect and confidence of the players. For those reasons I would hope he will again be in charge next year.”

Also fully supportive of Fitzgerald’s retention was senior hurling team secretary Jim Dee, who said the appointment has been fully vindicated.

“In just ten weeks Davy has proven himself to be very good for Waterford hurling and he should be made known of the countywide support there is for him. He is his own man however and he will make up his own mind.”

Meantime there will be a deserved respite for most of those involved this weekend with the board’s decision not to resume the county senior championships until the weekend of September 20 to 21.