Players Request Meeting Over Managerial Uncertainty
The Antrim senior hurling squad, having suffered seven defeats in eight league and championship matches this season, have formally requested a meeting with the county board during Tuesday evening's training session. The purpose is to address "significant concern" regarding the status of manager Davy Fitzgerald.
In a letter addressed to the county board and seen by NI, the players expressed that they believed a decision had been made to remove Fitzgerald from his managerial position following the recent Joe McDonagh Cup loss to Laois. However, they were later informed that the decision had been reversed.
The squad further stated that they were subsequently told "that no such action had taken place." When the issue was raised with Antrim GAA chairman Seamus McMullan, he reportedly "indicated that he had no knowledge of it."
In the letter, the players described McMullan's response as "particularly concerning," especially since Fitzgerald himself 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,"
NI has reached out to Antrim GAA for comment on the matter.
Manager's Position and Player Concerns
Despite the series of disappointing results causing unrest among the playing panel and some administrators within Antrim GAA, it is understood that Fitzgerald has expressed a desire to continue in his role as manager.
Davy Fitzgerald took over as Antrim boss in August 2024.
Additionally, the players raised concerns about equipment provisions, noting that some members of the squad "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 squad has requested a meeting with McMullan at their Dunsilly training base on Tuesday night to "provide clarity" on both Fitzgerald's situation and the outstanding training gear.
In their letter, the players stated 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."
Background on Fitzgerald's Tenure
Fitzgerald, who led his native Clare to an All-Ireland title in 2013, succeeded Darren Gleeson as Antrim manager at the end of the 2024 season. He signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year.
The former Wexford and Waterford manager successfully kept Antrim in Division One B of the Allianz Hurling League last year but was unable to prevent the county's relegation from the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
This season, Antrim lost league matches against Wexford, Clare, Kildare, Dublin, and Down. Their only victory came against Carlow, which was sufficient to avoid relegation on points difference.
Following defeats in their opening Joe McDonagh Cup games to Down and Laois, Antrim is scheduled to face London in Ruislip on 10 May, followed by home fixtures against Westmeath and Carlow.
