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Fitzgerald reveals why he took the job in Antrim

Newly appointed Antrim boss Davy Fitzgerald has explained that he took the job because he believes there is untapped potential in Antrim hurling.

The Clare native agreed to become the county's new senior hurling manager this week following talks with the Antrim County Board. He will take charge of the team for two years, with the option of a third year.

Fitzgerald, who resigned as Waterford manager last month, admitted he was happy to take a break from the game but the “project” that the Antrim job represented made him think again and that is why he ended up taking the role.

“I was happy to have a break,” he said. “I just said that if there's something that interests me that I'd like to do, if there's a project that I'd like to do, then I'll do something else, and this is something else.”

“I've been going to Antrim for a long time, over twenty years, and have often handed out leaflets. I've seen their passion for hurling, that's for sure, but I just think there's more to it.”

Fitzgerald added that the passion shown by chairman Seamus McMullan and the Antrim team in talks also played a big part in his arrival at Corrigan Park.

“I think it's something completely different. As I said, I was doing really well. The first few weeks after I left Waterford I was actually happy. I was happy not to have to do anything.

“It was the first time I had a summer where I didn't have to do anything for several weeks. Normally, when I work for a county, I would start pre-planning very early.

“It was the first time I didn't have to plan anything in advance and I didn't think I would do anything, but the enthusiasm of the chairman and the people who had come from Antrim to meet me was incredible.”

The Liam McCarthy Cup has been won by teams such as Clare, Limerick and Kilkenny over the years, so everyone else will have to catch up or hope to do something similar.

However, Antrim has never won the Liam McCarthy Cup and has only participated in two All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, in 1943 and 1989.

Fitzgerald outlined his expectations for the coming season. The Clare man expects a top three finish in Leinster and a place in the All-Ireland series.

“I think that has to be a realistic goal. That's what you want to achieve: to come out and reach the knockout rounds,” he added.

“I imagine we will be very, very competitive. Antrim's away form needs to be much more consistent. They have suffered heavy defeats away from home and if we can take some of the home form they have shown away from home then they will be a challenge for anyone.”

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