The wheels of progress in hurling are turning at a rather more rapid rate just now and Antrim is experiencing its own share of transformation.
With Darren Gleeson having called time on his tenure as county team manager, Clare native Davy Fitzgerald has stepped in to fill the breach amid a sea of speculation – and hope.
He assumes command of an Antrim side that has progressed under Gleeson and is hoping that he can replicate some of the success he has achieved with other sides in the past, notably sharing in a Clare All-Ireland final triumph in 2013 and driving Wexford to the Leinster Championship title in 2019.
His arrival in Antrim has been hailed by players, former players and fans alike as he sets about striving to build on the progress that has been achieved under Gleeson who spent five years in charge of the Saffrons.
And Fitzgerald’s enthusiasm, commitment and energy are such that the welcome mat has been out for him in some style.
Terence McNaughton gave outstanding service to Antrim as a player in the 80s and 90s and believes that Fitzgerald will prove a huge success in his new role with the Saffrons.
“I think that Davy will do nothing but good for Antrim,” he insists. “He has plenty of experience and management skills which will be seen to good effect. But from an Antrim perspective I think that people like Johnny Campbell and Michael McShane should be brought into the backroom team as they will provide invaluable help with the Under-20s in particular.”
“I think Darren Gleeson did a great job over the course of the past five years and now the fact that we have Davy on board with us is another lift for Antrim. It’s said that a rising tide lifts all ships and I think we will go along with that theory for now anyway.”
Dominic McKinley fulfilled a key role with Antrim thirty-plus years ago and having been a regular in the side for longer than he cares to remember he is particularly keen that Fitzgerald should be made to feel at home.
“Davy will take up the Antrim reins with a very good track record,” points out McKinley,
“But we have to acknowledge, too, that Darren Gleeson has done a magnificent job over the course of recent years. We have certainly witnessed the fruits of his labours and whether Davy can follow in his footsteps is a challenge he must confront.”
“Everyone will be watching to see the progress that he makes. We must recognise the fact that managing Antrim is not an easy job but Davy will have assessed the situation and done his homework before throwing his hat into the ring. He has achieved a lot in terms playing in All-Irelands finals and managing teams in finals so hopefully he will be able to bring significant success to Antrim.”
Sean Paul McKillop was in the Antrim squad that reached the 1989 All-Ireland hurling final only to taste the bitter pill of defeat at the hands of a polished Tipperary side and he would like nothing better than to see the Saffrons in the decider once again.
“I believe that Davy will do a very good job with the current Antrim side,” insists McKillop, “I think his appointment is a superb move on the part of the county board. He is more than capable of following in the footsteps of Darren Gleeson and that has to be encouraging from Antrim’s perspective.”
“Darren had great people working with him and I am certain that it will be the same with Davy. He is more than capable of taking things forward and I am confident he will do a good job. I just hope that he keeps a strong focus on the Under-20 side, too, as they represent the future of Antrim hurling.”
It’s safe to say that no one is happier to see Fitzgerald installed in his new role than Antrim chairman Seamus McMullan.
“Davy brings a wealth of experience to his role. His vision, drive and determination are a perfect fit with the ambition of our playing panel,” adds the chairman.