DAVY FITZGERALD IS staying on as manager of the Wexford senior hurling team for the 2018 season.

Following discussions with county board officials this week, the Clare native has agreed to a second year at the helm.

The news comes as a major boost to Wexford, who will operate in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League next year.

Remarkable progress was achieved during Fitzgerald’s first season at the helm.

As well as steering Wexford to promotion from Division 1B, in a group that also contained All-Ireland champions Galway and Limerick, he also masterminded a historic Leinster SHC semi-final victory over Kilkenny.

Wexford lost the provincial decider to Galway, before bowing out of the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final stage against Waterford.

But Fitzgerald believes that he can take Wexford even further – and has committed to another year in charge.

An official statement confirming the news is expected from the Wexford county board later today – and Fitzgerald is expected to work with the same backroom team again.

This year, he was assisted by selectors JJ Doyle, Seoirse Bulfin and Páraic Fanning.

It is understood that Fitzgerald had some personal business to attend to before giving Wexford chiefs the green light.

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Despite some recent speculation, he was not in the frame for posts in other counties.

Fitzgerald has indicated that the travel demands placed on him when travelling to and from his Sixmilebridge base to Wexford have taken a toll.

But he’s excited by the prospect of leading the team into Division 1A – and building on the 2017 championship progress.

In a statement released by the Wexford county board this afternoon, they stated: “Wexford GAA county board today is delighted to announce that Davy Fitzgerald has committed to continue in his role as manager of the senior hurling team for 2018 and we hope then that he will continue that role in 2019.

“After a very successful 2017 season, Davy had asked the board for some time to evaluate his position for personal reasons which he clearly explained to us. The voard totally respected his wishes in this regard and we are very pleased that he is now able to continue to manage the senior hurling team going forward.

“We are confident that the Wexford GAA family will maintain their tremendous support for the team over the coming years. 2018 will be challenging but exciting as our hurlers will compete in Division 1 but we are certain that Davy is the right man to lead us in meeting the challenges ahead. These are exciting times for Wexford hurling and we look forward to the journey ahead.”

- First published 12.37, 7 September

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