A REFLECTIVE DAVY Fitzgerald lamented costly errors for goals but also paid tribute to his Clare side after they were beaten by Galway in today’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final.
Looking back at the Tribesmen’s two pivotal scores, Fitzgerald told RTÉ Sport: “We’re very disappointed. We gave up two goals I wouldn’t be happy about.
“They got one straight after half-time which put us 10 down, which was a killer. He should never walk through the middle like that — that’s why we have a sweeper. But we didn’t get a chance to get back quick enough.
“The first goal, it was a puck out down on top of Brendan Bugler and Joe Canning — that’s a no-no, that should never have happened.
The two (goals) we blame ourselves for, but in saying that, the energy and enthusiasm in Galway today was absolutely incredible — the way they tackled, the way they hassled. So whatever about ourselves, the passion they showed today was first class. From a Clare man, I’d like to say well done to them, I thought they did very well.”
Clare were ultimately made to pay owing to a lack of scores from play, and the Banner County’s boss admitted his side weren’t ruthless enough in attack.
“We missed some in the first half, we tried to run them into the net. If (only) we got them over the bar instead, you know?
But on the day, I believe they were the better team, there’s no doubt about it. It’s a long time since I’ve seen Galway as fired up, and fair play to them.”
There were doubts about whether Fitzgerald would even be present at Semple Stadium today for his side’s all-important clash, after the 44-year-old coach was admitted to a hospital in Dublin last Wednesday morning following a health concern.
And despite the disappointment of today’s result, the past few days, he suggested, had put things into perspective.
It was a tough week being honest. I’d like to thank everyone — the amount of support was massive. I suppose the most important thing in life is life.
“We’re a bit dejected in there, but I’m so extremely proud of my guys. They fight unreal and anyone that gives out about them, they’re talking through their behind. That’s the truth.
“They gave it everything. It wasn’t our best day. I think we’ve lost twice in 16 or 17 games this year and there’ll be more from them boys to come. But from a personal point of view, I would sincerely like to thank everyone. It’s great to be able to be here today, I’ll give you that.”
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