Antrim hurlers demand clarity over Fitzgerald position

The Antrim senior hurling squad have requested a meeting with the county board at Tuesday evening's training session to address "significant concern" surrounding the position of manager Davy Fitzgerald.

In a letter to the county board, which has been seen by BBC Sport NI, the players say they were under the impression that a decision was made to remove Fitzgerald from his role following last weekend's Joe McDonagh Cup defeat by Laois, only for the decision to be reversed.

However, the squad said they were subsequently informed "that no such action had taken place" and when the matter was brought to Antrim GAA chairman Seamus McMullan, he "indicated that he had no knowledge of it".

In the letter, the playing group say McMullan's response is "particularly concerning" given that Fitzgerald 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 players," read the letter.

BBC Sport NI has contacted Antrim GAA for comment.

While the run of poor results has led to disquiet among the playing panel and some Antrim GAA administrators, it is understood Fitzgerald has indicated a desire to remain in charge.

Image caption,

Davy Fitzgerald took over as Antrim boss in August 2024

The players also complained that some members of the group "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 (Gaelic Players Association) Players' Charter, which further underlines the importance of addressing the matter without delay," the letter added.

The squad want a meeting with McMullan at their Dunsilly training base on Tuesday night "to provide clarity" on the situation involving Fitzgerald and their outstanding training gear.

In the letter, the playing panel said that 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".

Fitzgerald, who led his native Clare to an All-Ireland title in 2013, succeeded Darren Gleeson as Antrim boss at the end of the 2024 season on a two-year term with the option of a third.