Antrim Hurling Boss Fitzgerald Handed Eight-Week Misconduct Ban

Antrim hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has been suspended for eight weeks following comments he made after a heavy Leinster Senior Hurling Championship defeat to Galway, where Declan McCloskey was controversially sent off. Fitzgerald accused certain match officials of despising him and criticized their decision to issue the red card, leading to a charge of misconduct considered to have discredited the GAA. The Central Hearings Committee upheld the charge after a hearing requested by Fitzgerald. Alongside this suspension, Antrim suffered relegation from the Liam MacCarthy Cup to the Joe McDonagh Cup for the 2026 season after losing all five of their Leinster SHC games, including a recent defeat to Offaly. Fitzgerald, who took over as Antrim manager last year on a two-year contract, has stated he needs time before deciding whether to continue in his role. He retains the right to appeal the ban and potentially escalate the matter to the Disputes Resolution Authority if necessary.