DAVY STILL FITZ BILL!

Legendary figure is staying on as Antrim supremo

- By KARL O'KANE

DAVY FITZGERALD has boosted Antrim hurling by confirming that he will stay on as manager for a second year.

Fitzgerald initially agreed to a two-year term with an option of a third, but after “a very tough year travel-wise” with eight-hours-plus round trips to training from his Sixmilebridge home, he was weighing up his future plans.

Antrim were relegated out of the Leinster Championship this year after a final round defeat by Offaly and will play in the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2026.

But Fitzgerald (54) told Star-Sport that this played no role in his decision: “There were a few things to think about, the journey being one” he said.

“I took a while. Then I met the players and had a chat with them and I explained to them just why I needed a few weeks after the Offaly game. I had an individual meeting with every one of them.

“I sat down and I explained everything to them. It was very funny. There were reports that I had gone back and I hadn't even met the players.

“That wasn't true. I needed to talk to the players and the County Board. I told them exactly my thinking.