Antrim deny Fitzgerald exit U-turn as players skip training

Antrim have lost seven of their eight league and championship matches this season [Getty Images]Antrim GAA have denied that Davy Fitzgerald was dismissed and then reinstated to his role as senior hurling manager following concerns being raised by the squad.

>Players cancelled a training session on Tuesday night after their requested meeting with the county board to address "significant concern" after they claimed they received conflicting reports about Fitzgerald's future failed to materialise.

>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.

>"The contradiction between what occurred and what has been communicated has created uncertainty and a lack of trust among players," read the letter.

>However, a statement released by Antrim GAA chairman Seamus McMullan on Wednesday morning said that Fitzgerald's position had not changed and a meeting on Tuesday night was not possible due to "prior commitments".

>"Antrim GAA received correspondence (28th April 2026), issued on behalf of players from the senior hurling squad," the statement read.

>"We fully acknowledge the concerns raised in the letter. I have assured players' representatives I am treating those issues very seriously and will address them directly.

>"Whilst prior commitments that could not be changed at short notice meant a meeting on the same day the letter was received was not possible, we are working closely with players' representatives and my priority is making sure we move forward together."

>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.

>McMullan also added that all decisions within the club "must be taken in the right way".

>"I would like to be clear: at no point was any decision taken to remove Davy Fitzgerald from his position as senior hurling manager. This was confirmed at the County Committee meeting of 27 April 2026.

>"Antrim senior hurling results and performances this season have been very disappointing and have understandably caused frustration for everyone.

>"As a County Committee we will always work hard to take decisions in the best interest of Antrim GAA. As a lifelong Gael, I believe those decisions must be taken in the right way."

>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 had requested 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.

>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.

>The former Wexford and Waterford boss kept the Saffrons 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, they lost league matches to Wexford, Clare, Kildare, Dublin and Down, but their sole victory over Carlow proved enough to avoid relegation on points difference.

>After losing their opening Joe McDonagh Cup games to Down and Laois, they face London in Ruislip on 10 May before home fixtures against Westmeath and Carlow.