Davy Fitzgerald has announced that he will take a break from inter-county hurling management for the upcoming season, bringing an end to 37 consecutive years of continuous involvement in Gaelic games as a player and manager.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio and during an interview with Virgin Media Television at the National Ploughing Championships in County Offaly, the former Clare All-Ireland winner confirmed he has turned down approaches for managerial roles ahead of the new campaign. The decision follows his departure as Antrim senior hurling manager in May after two years in charge.

Fitzgerald stated that after nearly four decades of unbroken service as a player and manager, he felt the need to take time out and recharge, acknowledging that he felt "a small bit stale." He revealed he had received offers to take charge of inter-county setups for the upcoming season but decided to reject them in order to focus on spending time with his family.

Over a distinguished managerial career spanning more than 18 years at the top level, the Sixmilebridge native managed Waterford across two spells, guided Clare to All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship glory in 2013, led Wexford to a Leinster title in 2019, and spent two seasons in charge of Antrim. Prior to his management career, Fitzgerald served as Clare's goalkeeper for 19 seasons, winning two All-Ireland titles and three All-Star awards.