Davy Fitzgerald confirmed as new Antrim hurling manager

New Antrim hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Davy Fitzgerald was tonight appointed as the new Antrim senior hurling manager for two years with an option of a third.

Antrim becomes the fourth county that the Sixmilebridge man has taken charge of after Waterford twice, Clare and Wexford.

Antrim’s county committee endorsed the recommendation put to the executive for the 2013 All-Ireland SHC winning manager to succeed Darren Gleeson.

In a statement this evening, Antrim chairman Séamus McMullan said: “We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Davy Fitzgerald.

"Davy brings a wealth of experience to the role. His vision, drive and determination is a perfect fit with the ambition of our playing panel. We are confident, too, that Davy will bring the very best out of the emerging hurling talent that is present within our County.

“We are committed to further developing our underage structures in Antrim and welcome Davy’s interest in contributing to that – that is an exciting prospect for our young hurlers and their clubs. On behalf of the clubs of Antrim, we wish Davy the very best and look forward to working with him and his team."

Fitzgerald will confirm his management team at a later date, although it is not expected he will have many if any of his previous backroom assistants.

Meanwhile, Galway appear to be edging closer to appointing Micheál Donoghue for a second spell as senior hurling manager.

Donoghue, who guided Galway to their last senior All-Ireland crown in 2017, last week stepped away from Dublin after two seasons in charge fuelling speculation he will return to the role he left in 2019.

There are suggestions the Clarinbridge man could be handed a four-year term. Eamon O’Shea was drafted in by Henry Shefflin this past season and the widely-respect coach man could be retained by Donoghue after the pair worked together during O’Shea’s time as Tipperary manager.

Former Dublin manager and Galway selector Mattie Kenny has been suggested as a potential candidate, although St Thomas’ All-Ireland winning manager Kenneth Burke is expected to stay at the helm of the minors.

In their search for Donoghue’s successor, a Liam Sheedy and Darren Gleeson combination is an early possibility. Derek McGrath, Joe Fortune and Eddie Brennan may also be sounded out about the position.

Elsewhere, doubts have emerged about Colm O’Rourke’s hopes of extending his term as Meath senior football manager. O’Rourke had been seeking an additional three years but the review of the season may not make that recommendation.