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Davy Fitzgerald opens up on Neil McManus retirement u-turn talks and highlights potential hurdle
New Antrim manager Davy Fitzgerald was the guest of honour at last week’s Antrim GAA All-Star Awards at the Devenish and one topic of conversation dominated the evening.
After plundering a remarkable 3-9 for Cushendall in their Ulster Club SHC semi-final loss to Slaughtneil , there has been renewed optimism that McManus might renew his county career having bowed out at the end of the 2023.
With Michael Murphy recently returning to the county fold after two years away from Donegal, the Saffron boss was asked if he would have a conversation with the former Antrim skipper about a possible county comeback.
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Speaking during a conversation with the BBC’s Mark Sidebottom, who was compere for the evening, Fitzgerald joked: “He hasn’t answered the phone to me!
"I knew if I was ever coming here (Antrim) I wanted him with me. He is Antrim to the core. Being honest, the best hurler in Antrim that I’ve seen this year is Neil McManus, without a shadow of a doubt.
“I texted him last Friday wishing him good luck. I’d left him alone because I wanted him to concentrate on this (Cushendall).”
Fitzgerald continued: “I’m I going to ask him would he consider putting his boots and togs on again? I’ll probably talk to him and we’ll see. Would I like it? From what we’ve seen for the past few days - yeah.
“What Neil does is incredible - the passion, the smartness, the way he can bring people with him. We’ll be having good chats going forward and, wherever that brings us it brings us.
“To say I’ve massive faith and trust in him is an understatement. I’ve unbelievable time for this guy.”
However, the Clare native rowed back slightly and sounded a note of notion as he reminded those in attendance that McManus has committed to being Antrim hurling’s new Sports Performance Coach under Fitzgerald with the backroom team completed by Pat Bennett, Aaron Graffin, Paudie Shivers.
“The role I’m looking at for Neil now is a massive role,” added Fitzgerald.
“That Sports Performance role. . . even if he was begging to get playing, I’d be still looking him for that role.
“We’ve talked about this and it is a big role. For the hurlers that are coming and the people that are coming - I believe he can deliver something that will make a big difference.”
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