Ballysaggart's Pat Bennett and Paraic Fanning of Mount Sion were named as Waterford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald's new selectors last night. They replace Peter Queally and Maurice Geary, who stepped down in the wake of last August's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Kilkenny. A grandson of former GAA president Pat Fanning, Paraic Fanning is no stranger to the role, having previously served as a county selector. Fitzgerald, however, still has to fill the void left by team trainer Jerry Fitzpatrick. Addressing last night's meeting in Dungarvan, the former Clare goalkeeper told delegates that it is vital they make the right appointment to succeed "a very special person". He also rubbished speculation linking him with the Clare post which could become vacant tonight if Mike McNamara is forced to step down. "This job of Waterford hurling manager is a huge one and, contrary to what some people are suggesting, the managerial job in Clare has never been an issue with me," he said. "I am more than happy and proud to have the Waterford job, and while we have a massive Munster semi-final task next June against a Clare side that will be buoyed up after the All-Ireland victory of their under 21s this year, I hope to meet that task and that challenge head on." Tweet

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