DAVY FITZGERALD IS to step down as manager of the Clare senior hurlers.
The news was first reported by John Fogarty of The Irish Examiner while The42 understands this evening that players feel a change is needed after a few disappointing campaigns since their All-Ireland win.
It is expected that confirmation of Fitzgerald’s departure will be announced tomorrow or Thursday at the latest
The 45-year-old has been in charge since 2012 and brought All-Ireland success to the Banner the following year.
But, there followed a disappointing few years as the county suffered back-to-back defeats in the qualifiers.
Fitzgerald brought in former Cork goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack as coach and despite an encouraging league campaign earlier this season, Clare side suffered provincial defeat to Waterford and were subsequently eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the championship by near neighbours Galway.
Just days before the clash with the Tribesmen, Fitzgerald had heart surgery – something that left him in reflective mood post-game and well into the summer too.
“I suppose the most important thing in life is life”, he said.
And last month, the Sixmilebridge man spoke in non-committal terms about his future with Clare, despite having one year left on his contract.
The Clare People newspaper reported this week that the Clare players had met to discuss how they felt about a possible change in management, with Fitzgerald keen on gauging their feelings before making his own decision.
Changes were expected in the Clare setup for next year, regardless of any management decision.
Last week it was announced that coach Paul Kinnerk would be part of the Limerick setup next year while at the weekend, Clare dual star Podge Collins told Clare FM that he will be playing only one code next year but declined to reveal which one
It’s expected Fitzgerald will release a statement once he returns from a holiday in the United States.
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