Antrim GAA deny allegations from senior hurlers as row rages on

Turmoil up North!

Following the county's Joe McDonagh Cup loss to Laois last week, the players were under the belief that manager Davy Fitzgerald was being removed from his position, only for that decision to be reversed.

However, despite Fitzgerald stating to the team that this had occurred, the county chairman Seamus McMullan had no knowledge of these events.

In a letter to the county board - which also includes complaints about a lack of training gear - the team outlined the situation and requested a meeting with the higher-ups at training on Tuesday, April 28, while threatening to skip training if this meeting did not take place.

The letter reads: "The Antrim Senior Hurling Squad wish to formally raise a number of concerns regarding recent events that have caused confusion and frustration within the group.

"Firstly, there is significant concern surrounding the situation involving Davy. It is understood that a decision was made to remove Davy from his position, only for that decision to later be reversed. When this was subsequently raised and questioned, the squad were informed that no such action had taken place.

"Furthermore, when this was brought to Seamus (McMullan), the chairman was asked directly about the matter and indicated that he had no knowledge of it. This is particularly concerning given that Davy, other members of the management team, have all confirmed that the sequence of events did in fact occur. The contradiction between what occurred and what has been communicated has created uncertainty and a lack of trust among the players.

"Secondly, there are ongoing issues regarding training gear. A number of players have still not received the full allocation of gear that is expected. This has been highlighted as part of the basic gear requirements outlined in the GPA Players' Charter, which further underlines the importance of addressing the matter without delay.

"Yours sincerely, Antrim Senior Hurling Squad."

As per a report from RTÉ, the Antrim hurlers did not train last night, but were addressed by Fitzgerald.

The county board responded with a statement of their own, explaining why they could not meet with the team, and denied that there was an attempt to remove Davy Fitzgerald.

The statement says: "Antrim GAA received correspondence (28 April 2026), issued on behalf of players from the senior hurling squad.

"We fully acknowledge the concerns raised in the letter. I have assured players’ representatives I am treating those issues very seriously and will address them directly.

"Whilst prior commitments that could not be changed at short notice meant a meeting on the same day the letter was received was not possible, we are working closely with players’ representatives and my priority is making sure we move forward together.

"I would like to be clear: at no point was any decision taken to remove Davy Fitzgerald from his position as senior hurling manager. This was confirmed at the county committee meeting of 27 April 2026.

"Antrim senior hurling results and performances this season have been very disappointing and have understandably caused frustration for everyone. As a county committee we will always work hard to take decisions in the best interest of Antrim GAA.

"As a lifelong Gael, I believe those decisions must be taken in the right way."