Antrim chairman denies any decision made to replace Davy Fitzgerald as hurling manager

Michael Bolton

Antrim GAA have clarified that "at no point" was there a decision taken to remove Davy Fitzgerald as manager of their senior hurlers.

The players had written to the county board, claiming their understanding was that Fitzgerald was initially dismissed, but that the decision had then been overturned.

The squad cancelled training last night, having forewarned that measure if their request to meet with the county's chair was not honoured.

In a statement this morning, chairperson Seamus McMullan stressed they are "treating players' issues very seriously and will address them directly."

Mullan stated: “Antrim GAA received correspondence (28th April 2026), issued on behalf of players from the senior hurling squad

“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.

“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.”

After finishing last in the Leinster championship last season and being relegated to the Joe McDonagh Cup, Antrim have lost their first two games of the championship.