Davy Fitzgerald steps down as Waterford hurling manager after two ...

Fitzgerald informed the county board of his decision which comes as a surprise as he widely expected to continue for at least one more year.

Waterford didn't make the All-Ireland series, losing to Clare and Limerick in back-to-back games after winning their first game against Cork and then drawing with Tipperary.

But it was still a big improvement on 2023 when they lost their first three games before beating Tipperary.

Fitzgerald has publicly confirmed his departure in a statement to the Irish Examiner this evening.

Today's Sports News in 90 Seconds - 2nd July

Waterford chair Sean Michael O'Regan said Fitzgerald had arrived at the decision after a few days of discussions with the board. He had the option of a third year after a review.

“After Waterford were relegated from the Division 1 of the league, opinions on him staying would have been mixed but the consensus since the championship was that he would stay on,” said O'Regan.

“He is his own man, with his own thoughts. As he said himself in his statement, there were small margins, I think we'd all agree,” he added.

“It's where we find ourselves now. We'll let the dust settle and take stock of it."

Fitzgerald has been involved as an inter-county player, manager or coach consistently since 1989 but 2025 may be his first full 'break' unless another opportunity arises in the coming weeks.

Fitzgerald’s statement to the Irish Examiner read: “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.”