Davy Fitz in tetchy stand-off with reporters over civil war within Clare hurling

Chalk this latest round to the Banner boss as he keeps his cool under rapid-fire questioning.

Davy Fitzgerald engaged in a gentle sparring session with reporters, today, following his side's 2-22 to 2-20 Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 win over Dublin. After answering a couple of questions on his team's win, the chat turned to the decision of two young hurlers, Davy O'Halloran and Nicky O'Connell to quit the panel. The duo were appalled at receiving a three week ban for being out at night, socialising two days before a game. The players argued that they were injured at the time, had not been drinking and had cleared with with a Clare trainer. They accused the Banner management, Fitzgerald included, of double standards. Speaking to reporters today, Fitzgerald declared, 'Ye guys and others have to write stories. There's nothing we can do about it.' 'The only panic that was out there was guys that want to create it,' Fitzgerald added. Pressed on claims that a senior member of the Clare panel had escaped a ban after being spotted out, drinking, before a game, Fitzgerald replied, 'People can write what they wan to write, there's no problem. There's no hassle with that.' He continued:

'The bottom line is - and this is the only thing I'm going to say on this - we, as a management, would be fair in what we do. 'There is rules there. That's it. And, listen, I am very happy that we've done everything correct and I know the players are as well. 'The bottom line is, the lads aren't bad, they're good lads, and I wish them all the best with their clubs  going forward and fair play to them.'

When reporters pressed for more answers, the former Clare goalkeeper refused to answer and said he would only talk about his team's win. Hat-tip: Newstalk