Waterford GAA Press Release – Davy Fitzgerald resigns

Press Release

By Tom Cunningham

Cathaoirleach Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Phort Láirge

As Chairman of the Waterford County GAA Committee, it is with regret and great disappointment that I have been informed by Davy Fitzgerald of his decision to stand down as manager of the Waterford Senior Hurling Team.

Davy Fitzgerald accepted the challenging role of Bainisteoir in 2008 during a very difficult time, and subsequently guided our Senior Hurlers to their first All-Ireland Final appearance in forty five years, as well as three Munster Final appearances, winning the coveted title in 2010. Davy has given tirelessly of his time to the cause of Waterford Hurling since his appointment, and his passion and desire to see Waterford achieve at every level from Underage to Senior could never be questioned. It would be difficult to put into words the deep sense of pride that Davy instilled in our Hurlers during his time in charge.

This has been a time of great transition within the Waterford Senior Hurling Team. With the departure of so many great players from our setup over a short period of time, the role of Bainisteoir during Davy’s four seasons in charge required extraordinary leadership and commitment. Davy Fitzgerald’s ability to bring new players into the Waterford set-up and to successfully manage them into becoming highly rated intercounty hurlers was the principle reason as to how we managed to hold our position as one of the top four Hurling Teams in the land. It is ironic that our only championship defeats during his time in charge were to All-Ireland Champions Kilkenny and Tipperary.

On behalf of the County GAA Committee, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Davy Fitzgerald for all his work on behalf of our County Senior Hurlers for over 3 years. At this point, I would also like to express my gratitude to all those who worked as Selectors or as part of the Backroom Team with the Waterford Senior Hurlers during Davy’s time in charge.

On behalf of the Waterford County GAA Committee, I would like to wish Davy Fitzgerald the very best in any future roles he may take up, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be a fantastic ambassador for both Hurling and the Gaelic Athletic Association for many years to come.

A process by which to consider the appointment of a new Waterford Senior Hurling Manager will be discussed by the County Committee on Monday night next, September 12th 2011.