Antrim hurlers seek answers over failed move to oust Davy Fitzgerald

An individual was approached about taking over from Fitzgerald in an interim capacity but they turned down the offer

Davy Fitzgerald is in his second season as Antrim hurling manager. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

The Antrim senior hurling squad are this evening seeking answers from their county board executive about an aborted attempt to remove Davy Fitzgerald as manager.

It came to light on Sunday that Fitzgerald had been approached by officials about stepping down only for it to be retracted.

The Irish Examiner understands an individual had been asked to take over in an interim capacity for the remainder of the county’s Joe McDonagh Cup campaign but turned it down.

The players’ letter to the board opened: “The Antrim Senior Hurling Squad wish to formally raise a number of concerns regarding recent events that have caused confusion and frustration within the group.

“Firstly, there is significant concern surrounding the situation involving Davy. It is understood that a decision was made to remove Davy from his position, only for that decision to be later reversed.

“When this was subsequently raised and questioned, the Squad were informed that no such action had taken placed. Furthermore, when this was brought to Seamus (McMullan), the chairman was asked directly about the matter and indicated that he had no knowledge of it.

“This particularly concerning given that Davy, other members of the management team, have all confirmed that the sequence of events did in fact occur. The contradiction between what occurred and what has been communicated has created uncertainty and a lack of trust among the players.” 

The squad have also raised issues with some members not receiving their full allocation of playing gear, as per the players’ charter agreed by the GAA with the Gaelic Players Association.

The players had threatened not to go ahead with training this evening if McMullan and “other relevant board members” were not in a position to engage with them.

After relegation from the Liam MacCarthy Cup last season, Antrim have lost their opening two McDonagh Cup games to Down and Laois.