31-05-2025
Davy Fitzgerald handed 'misconduct' ban after comments made about officials
Antrim hurling's woes have intensified with an eight-week suspension handed to manager Davy Fitzgerald.
After a demoralising loss to Offaly in Tullamore last Saturday, the Saffrons were relegated from Liam MacCarthy Cup contention and are destined for the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2026.
Antrim lost all five of their Leinster SHC games in 2025, but Fitzgerald landed himself in hot water with the GAA's disciplinary bodies for remarks made following their round four loss to Galway earlier this month.
Antrim felt hard done by due to a red card given to Loughgiel's Declan McCloskey, prompting Fitzgerald to level harsh words at the match officials after the hefty defeat in Pearse Stadium.
"It was Johnny Murphy that seen it and Johnny Murphy now wouldn't have any time for me anyway number one - that's out there," the Clare-born mentor exclaimed, reports Belfast Live.
"Everybody knows that himself and one or two more of them, they actually despise me and that's fine, I can get over that."
Fitzgerald was cited for the lesser-known charge of misconduct considered to have discredited the association and he requested a hearing, which took place on Thursday night.
The GAA's Central Hearing Committee (CHC) concluded the offence was valid, subsequently sanctioning the Clare man with an eight-week ban. Fitzgerald retains the right to contest this decision and, if pushed, could take his case to the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) once he's exhausted all internal GAA appeal options.
With Antrim's season wrapped up, the question lingers whether Fitzgerald will return to the fray next year.
After the recent defeat to Offaly, he emphasised his need for "a bit of time" before deciding on another term with the Saffrons.
He took the helm last year on a two-year contract, with a third year being an option.
