Breaking: Davy Fitzgerald steps down as Waterford hurling manager

There had been speculation locally that the Sixmilebridge man would be agreeing a new term but he has brought down the curtain on his time with the county.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as manager of the Waterford senior hurling team,” he stated. “I would like to sincerely thank the players for their efforts over the last two years.

“ Just the tiniest of margins prevented us from making Munster’s top three this year and progressing to the 2024 All-Ireland championship. It’s my firm belief that the talent is there for Waterford to compete strongly at hurling’s highest level again.

“I’d like to express a massive thanks to Peter (Queally), Eoin (Kelly) and all of my backroom team as well as county chairman, Seán Michael O’Regan, secretary, Pat Flynn, and PRO, Richard Tobin, for their unstinting support during the last two years. And finally I want to wish all involved with Waterford GAA every success into the future.” 

A statement released by Waterford GAA on Tuesday night reads; "Waterford GAA wish to confirm that Davy Fitzgerald has this evening informed the Waterford County Board that he has decided not to take up the option of a third year as Manager of the Waterford Senior Hurling team.

"During his tenure, Davy led the team with passion and commitment. His tactical acumen and leadership were instrumental in shaping the team’s performance. The players, backroom team and fans alike appreciate his contributions.

"Chairperson of Waterford GAA, Sean Micheal O’Regan, stated, 'We sincerely thank Davy for his hard work and dedication over the past two years. His impact on the team has been significant, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.'

"A process will now be put in place for the appointment of a new Senior Hurling Team Management. Waterford GAA will not be issuing any further comment at this time."

This was Fitzgerald’s second spell managing Waterford, the first four-season period yielding the county’s first All-Ireland appearance in 45 years and their last Munster SHC title in 2010.

In April, Fitzgerald led Waterford to an opening round victory over Cork in Walsh Park, the county’s first round-robin win over a county other than Tipperary. However, dramatic finishes to their subsequent games against Tipperary at home and Clare in Cusack Park cost them dearly.

A stoppage time free for Tipperary denied them a second successive win in the campaign, while a Mark Rodgers’ 65 in the dying seconds in Ennis was the difference against his native county. They were eliminated from the championship a week later when they suffered a 10-point loss to Limerick in TUS Gaelic Grounds.

“We should be through," said Fitzgerald after their exit. "If you take the three matches, I felt we were right there as regards any of them. I thought we were right there and we showed that. It's just disappointing for the lads because they've come on leaps and bounds and we definitely made a lot of progress.

"People have said stuff during the year that this was wrong or that was wrong. There was never anything wrong in the Waterford camp. They've been exceptional and we both get on great together and I've certainly enjoyed the two years I've had with them. It has been unbelievable."

The championship run was a marked improvement on a difficult Division 1, Group A in which they were picked up one win from five games and were relegated to the newly-formed seven-team Division 1B in 2025.

Last year, Waterford finished third in Division 1, Group B before a disappointing Munster SHC where they lost their opening three matches prior to a final day victory over Tipperary.

Fitzgerald has been an inter-county senior hurling manager in all but one season since 2007 when he took over from Justin McCarthy as Waterford supremo mid-championship. That came in 2022 when he coached the Cork senior camogie team.

His time in Wexford between 2017 and ’21 saw him guide the county to the 2019 Leinster SHC title, their first provincial crown since 2004.