Davy Fitzgerald calls time as Déise hurling manager
Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Waterford Senior Hurling manager. Photo: INPHO/James Crombie
The two-year reign as Waterford Senior Hurling manager has come to an end for Davy Fitzgerald as the Clare man has elected to step down as Déise boss after a second stint in the managerial hotseat.
Fitzgerald, who replaced Justin McCarthy back in 2008 before leading the county to a first All-Ireland appearance since 1963, returned to Waterford when he succeeded Tipperary’s Liam Cahill back in 2023.
After a difficult first year that saw Waterford fail to win a game in the Munster Championship, it didn’t get much better in the National Hurling League this season as the team were relegated to the second tier of Division 1B for the 2025 season.
An opening win in the Munster Championship came at Walsh Park against Cork before they went onto draw with Tipperary when leaving a four-point lead slip. They did come within a puck of the ball to claiming the third spot in the group only to lose late on to Clare.
Fitzgerald’s final game as manager came in the shape of a loss to Munster champions Limerick in a game that they needed to win. Although there had been some speculation that Fitzgerald would try to seek a third-year as boss, he confirmed his decision to step down in a statement with the Irish Examiner this evening.
In a statement, Fitzgerald said: “After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as manager of the Waterford senior hurling team. I would like to sincerely thank the players for their efforts over the last two years.
“Just the tiniest of margins prevented us from making Munster’s top three this year and progressing to the 2024 All-Ireland championship. It’s my firm belief that the talent is there for Waterford to compete strongly at hurling’s highest level again.
“I’d like to express a massive thanks to Peter (Queally), Eoin (Kelly) and all of my backroom team as well as county chairman, Seán Michael O’Regan, secretary, Pat Flynn, and PRO, Richard Tobin, for their unstinting support during the last two years. And finally I want to wish all involved with Waterford GAA every success into the future.” More to follow
