Emotional Davy Fitzgerald pays classy tribute to Galway after Clare’s defeat

It's been a tough week for Davy Fitz.

The Clare manager was admitted to hospital earlier this week but was back on the sideline to watch his side take on Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling Championship quarter-final at Semple Stadium. Clare fell to a 2-17 to 0-17 defeat and speaking on RTE after the game a clearly emotional Fitzgerald paid magnanimous tribute to the Galway side and thanked everyone for the support he received over the past few days.

"The energy and enthusiasm from Galway today was absolutely incredible, they way they tackled, the way they hassled," Fitzgerald told RTE. "Whatever about ourselves, I have to say the passion they showed was first class. From a Clare man I'd like to say well done to them. I thought they did very well. "On the day I believe they were the better team, there's no doubt about it. It's a long time since I've seen Galway as fired up.

Fitzgerald was a lively as ever on the touchline throughout the game - it was hard to imagine he had had a minor heart operation on Wednesday. On the physically and emotionally draining week which saw him have two stents inserted in his coronary arteries, Fitzgerald said:

"It was a tough week, that's being honest with you. The amount of support was massive and I suppose the most important thing in life is life. "We're wicked dejected in there but I have to say one thing. I'm so extremely proud of my guys. They fight unreal. Anyone that gives out about them is talking through their behind. "From a personal point of view I'd like to thank everyone. It was great to be able to be here today."

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