Davy Fitzgerald unveils hurling legend as part of Antrim management team

The Sixmilebridge man has lifted the lid on his backroom staff ahead of the new campaign.

The Clare native was recently unveiled as the new boss of the Saffron County, marking his first time working with an Ulster team throughout his 16-year career in management.

Earlier this summer, the 53-year-old cut short his romantic return to Waterford after a disappointing Munster SHC campaign.

Fitzgerald started his managerial career with 'The Déise' in 2008 and guided the team to a first All-Ireland final appearance in 45 years as well as the Munster Championship title in 2010.

He takes over from Tipperary's Darren Gleeson at Antrim, who had been at the helm for five years.

During that time, Gleeson won two Joe McDonagh Cups and a Division 2 Allianz League title in 2020.

While speculation suggested that Fitzgerald could take the helm at either Dublin or Galway, he opted for a new challenge up north.

On Wednesday evening, Antrim GAA revealed the names Fitzgerald had hand-picked to make up his backroom staff in his new role.

The surprise name on the list was that of Neil McManus, who won five Ulster titles lining out at centre-forward for the Glensman.

The 36-year-old enjoyed a 17-year career with his county and still plays at club level for Ruairí Óg Cushendall. He is set to come on board as a sports performance coach.

The Cushendall man worked as a pundit for both RTÉ and the BBC last year, and will be joined in the coaching room by Waterford native Pat Bennett, his former Antrim and Ruairí Óg team-mate Arron Graffin and Paudie Shivers - Antrim's ex-under-20 boss.

Antrim will return to competitive action in Division One of the Allianz Hurling League in early 2025.

Speaking to Belfast Live after the announcement that he would take over at Antrim, Fitzgerald said: "I’ve been going up to Antrim for a long time, the bones of twenty-something years and I’ve often given a handout.

"I’ve seen their passion for hurling and that’s for definite but I just believe there’s more there. I suppose it’s something completely different."