Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Wexford senior hurling manager.

In a statement issued by Wexford GAA this morning, Fitzgerald cited the six-hour commute from his home in Clare as the reason for bringing the curtain down on his five-year tenure, during which he led the Model County to their first Leinster SHC title in 15 years in 2019. They had one foot in that year's All-Ireland final, only to succumb to a late semi-final comeback by 14-man Tipperary.

The Sixmilebridge man commented: “I have informed the County Board that I will not be in a position to continue in my role as Bainisteoir of the Wexford Senior Hurling team.

"The main reason for this is down to the six-hour round trip from my home in Sixmilebridge, which I have done for the last five years.

"I have never felt closer or happier with any team in all my years coaching and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of my five years in Wexford.

"It has been an absolute privilege and an honour to have worked with every one of the players during my time in Wexford. There were ups and downs, highs and lows, as is the nature of sport, all of which was experienced with a sense of collective pride and enjoyment."

Fitzgerald added: "To the Players, County Board, Clubs and People of Wexford, I wish to thank each and every one of you for playing no small part in every enjoyable second of the journey. From the first meeting in Gorey in October 2016 to last Saturday week in Thurles you have all made me feel so welcome, supported and proud to be involved with Wexford.

"On behalf of myself and my backroom team I wish to thank everyone associated with Wexford GAA for everything over the last five years and I wish you all the very best for the future. Le Croí agus Lámh, Davy.”

Wexford GAA chairman Mícheál Martin said: “We wish to sincerely thank Davy and his backroom team for the manner in which they have carried out their duties over their stewardship.

"Davy’s arrival in 2017 resulted in immediate promotion to Division One of the National Hurling League and a first Leinster Final appearance since 2008. In the last five years we have been consistently competitive, with the 2019 Leinster final victory the standout moment.

"Davy’s contribution to the activities of Wexford GAA went above and beyond those expected from a Senior Team Manager. Davy is and will always be held in the highest of esteem by all in Wexford GAA.”

 

Wexford GAA statement re Senior Hurling Manager https://t.co/c4WaZeYtFs via @officialwexgaa

— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) July 30, 2021

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