*Davy Fitzgerald. Photograph: Ruth Griffin
ATTEMPTS were made to remove Davy Fitzgerald from his position as Antrim senior hurling manager this week.
Moves to oust Fitzgerald from his position have been met with backlash from the Antrim senior hurling panel with the preferred candidate of County Board officials to take over from the two-time All-Ireland winner turning down the offer.
With one win in eight competitive games this season, morale is low in Antrim hurling.
Successive losses in the Joe McDonagh Cup to Down (1-22 0-23) and Laois (2-23 0-22) led to Antrim County Board officials approaching the Sixmilebridge native about stepping down, following the Laois loss.
It has also emerged in The Irish Examiner that officials lined up an individual to take over from Davy as interim manager to see out the remainder of the Joe McDonagh Cup but this individual turned down the offer.
An ultimatum has been issued by the Antrim senior hurling squad to the County Board as it demands clarity on the position of the 2013 All-Ireland winning manager. The panel are also keen to find a resolution with the allocation of training gear.
In a letter which emerged on Tuesday, the Antrim panel said if no engagement is forthcoming around their concerns, “the players will not proceed with the scheduled training session (on Tuesday night) and further action could be taken”.
Antrim GAA are not commenting on the matter currently.
As per the correspondence, the senior panel put pen to paper on the letter “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 later be reversed. When this was subsequently raised and questioned, the squad were informed that no such action had taken place.
“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 is 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.
“Secondly, there are ongoing issues regarding training gear. A number of players have still not received the full allocation of gear that is expected. This has been highlighted as part of the basic gear requirements outlined in the GPA Players’ Charter, which further underlines the importance of addressing the matter without delay.
“In order to address these matters directly, the squad will be requesting that Seamus, along with any other members of the County Board who wish to attend, meet with the panel at training tonight, Tuesday 28th April 2026, to provide clarity and address the concerns outlined above. If Seamus and relevant board members are not in a position to attend and engage with the squad on these issues, the players will not proceed with the scheduled training session and further action could be taken.
“The squad respectfully request, Clarification on the sequence of events regarding the decision involving Davy. An explanation as to why conflicting information was provided when the matter was raised. An update on the status of outstanding training gear and when this will be resolved. Reassurance that clearer communication processes will be implemented going forward A prompt and transparent response would be appreciated. Yours sincerely, Antrim Senior Hurling Squad”.
