Fitzgerald on verge of becoming Banner boss

Davy Fitzgerald is the only candidate in the race to be appointed Clare senior hurling boss ahead of tonight’s county board meeting at the West County Hotel in Ennis.

Fitzgerald’s four-year reign as Waterford senior hurling boss came to an end a fortnight ago and speculation has intensified since that the 1995 and 1997 All-Ireland-winning goalkeeper would take charge of his native county.

Last Friday was the closing date for nominations by Clare clubs for the position that has been vacant since Ger O’Loughlin stepped down in July. Officials confirmed that Fitzgerald is the only candidate who has been submitted to the board executive ahead of tonight’s meeting.

Fitzgerald may not be formally ratified as the county senior boss tonight as it is understood that Clare GAA chiefs are eager to ensure the process is handled transparently.

Instead it is understood that a sub-committee will be established to meet with Fitzgerald in the coming days and discuss his plans for the job.

In a further twist the 40-year-old is poised to make a dramatic comeback as goalkeeper with his club Sixmilebridge as they prepare for a county senior hurling semi-final next month after regular netminder Derek Fahy fractured a cheekbone in Saturday’s quarter-final victory over Inagh-Kilnamona in Cusack Park.

Fahy has been ruled out for the semi-final and Fitzgerald is set to come into the frame to fill the number one jersey for the clash with Cratloe.

This story courtesy of the Irish Examiner