Davy Fitzgerald is the new Wexford senior hurling manager.
The Clare man, who departed the Banner county after five years just last month, has replaced Liam Dunne in the Model County and agreed to a three-year term in Leinster.
CONFIRMED: Davy Fitz has been appointed Wexford manager https://t.co/46ZVUoGci2
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 7, 2016
It is not clear whether Donal Óg Cusack will follow him from the Clare job to Wexford yet as Fitzgerald’s backroom team has not been confirmed but the manager was ratified on Friday night in Enniscorthy. The former Cork ‘keeper could yet be in line to succeed Fitzgerald in Clare.
.@ExaminerSport say Anthony Daly out of Clare race. Way clear for Donal Moloney, Gerry O'Connor, Donal Óg and possibly Seanie McMahon #GAA pic.twitter.com/42qaHvx8nq
— Jackie Cahill 🖐👍 (@cahilljackie) October 7, 2016
Regardless, the Sixmilebridge clubman met with six members of the Wexford Selection Committee on Thursday in Portlaoise which included the county chairman and county secretary and he was deemed the stand-out candidate.
‘The Selection Committee members interviewed many contenders for the role during the previous two weeks, and were most impressed by Fitzgerald, who recently departed the managerial role in his native Clare,’ Wexford GAA announced.
‘He was their unanimous choice as new Wexford manager, and he provisionally accepted the role on Thursday night, pending approval at Friday night’s County Board meeting.
‘The appointment is for a three-year term, with a review to take place after year two.’
And the man himself is said to be “honoured” to be sworn in as Wexford’s new leader.
“I am really excited about this opportunity with Wexford, and I was honoured to be asked to accept the job,” Fitzgerald said.
“It’s a new challenge for me, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Immediately though, the divisions began.
One Clare fan was delighted. Not for Davy… for Clare.
great news for Clare! Thank you
— Martin (@breenmartinj) October 7, 2016
Clare should be smarting according to others.
https://twitter.com/Antoinfletch/status/784528428640899072
All the neutrals are loving it though.
https://twitter.com/eurovisioning/status/784506700787253248
The Messiah.
back on the gravy train ya mean #DavyFitzgerald
— Peter Hearne (@phearne_dls) October 7, 2016
Unsure if compliment or not.
https://twitter.com/PaulThatsAll/status/784491453099732993
No pressure.
All Ireland surely coming to the model now. Said with rosary beads in the arse pocket https://t.co/sWsnYOuY3v
— Anthony Beale (@Anthonybeale_fp) October 7, 2016
Harsh.
Poor ol Wexford stuck with Davy https://t.co/YFrfVUzBMw
— Aisling (@Limerick_chicky) October 7, 2016
Reputation.
Davy Fitzgerald the first All-Ireland winning manager to be appointed in Wexford since Cyril Farrell 25 years ago. #GAA
— Pat Nolan (@pat_nolan) October 7, 2016
He knows what it takes.
For once I am delighted with @OfficialWexGAA appointment of Davy Fitzgerald. A proven winner at so many levels is what was badly needed
— John Higgins (@John2211) October 7, 2016
We can all agree on one thing…
@Cbeg_Bmurn_GAA holy crap this is going to be an interesting trip
— Mj Scallan (@MjScallan) October 7, 2016
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