Davy Fitzgerald on Waterford exit - "It's been in my head all the time"
Fitzgerald confirmed that he wanted to spend time with his two-year-old son Daithí Óg after stepping down as Waterford manager.
Davy Fitzgerald has revealed that a desire to spend more time with his young family was the main reason behind his decision to step down as manager of the Waterford hurlers.
Fitzgerald spent two seasons with the Déise in his second spell in charge of the county, but was unable to get out of the Munster Championship in either of his two campaigns.
His last game as boss was against Limerick six weeks ago where he told players that he needed time to consider his future. Speaking to Marty Morrissey on RTE Radio this morning, the 52-year-old said he was looking forward to spending more time with his two-year-old son Daithí Óg, his wife Sharon and his eldest son Colm.
Read More: Davy Fitzgerald steps down as Waterford boss
Read More: Austin Gleeson has made a decision on his Waterford future after taking year out
"It's been in my head all the time," he told RTÉ Sport.
"Waterford isn’t right beside you, it’s a nice journey, leaving early in the day. I have Dáithí Óg in my life now which is a lot different.
"I have a summer, now that I have made my decision, that I don’t have to think about hurling right now. That might change, but right now, I have a bit of time at home to spend more time with Colm and herself (Sharon). It’s different."
Despite failing to reach the All-Ireland stage in either of his two seasons, Fitzgerald believes a lot of good work has been done and that the team is in much better shape that it was when he took over.
"Where we got them from two years ago, I think we have come on a tonne," he said. "We were very unlucky that we didn’t go forward in the championship. I think we played some great stuff and the lads were incredible and gave me everything.
"The lads showed unbelievable resilience. You would have heard different things, that they are a tough bunch to work with and will they stand up to the pressure? They did all of the above."
An All-Ireland winner with his native Clare as both a player and manager, Fitzgerald has managed an intercounty side for 16 of the last 17 Seasons, with a one year spell as manager of the Cork Camogie team in 2022 his only time away from men's hurling since 2008.
Despite many years in the game, Fitzgerald was keen to clarify that he hasn't retired.
"I’m young enough," he said. "It seems like I have been around a while, I managed very young. Never say never.
"If the right thing comes at some stage, maybe it will be next year or the year after. You never know what will happen.
"Am I out of love with the game? Definitely not, but circumstances are a bit different right now."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
