So the burning question on everyone’s lips since his ratification has been answered. Davy Fitzgerald has announced his backroom team and there’s a couple of eye-catching names who have taken up the mantle.
Dunloy clubman Paudie Shivers makes the natural progression from U20s main man into the coaching team under Fitzy. Shivers had an indifferent 2024 season but his working relationship with Darren Gleeson for a number of years showed he has that something different that Davy is looking for. When I spoke with Fitzgerald last Sunday, he iterated that he was looking for someone who was constantly looking outside of the box and looking to evolve. He spoke in glowing terms about Shivers and while both are strong characters, you can see how this would be a good appointment.
Two further appointments come from north Antrim also with Arron Graffin and Neil McManus stepping into the breach. On the face of it, this is a brilliant move. Two men who have been superb servants for the Saffrons and in Arron Graffin, they have a highly motivated individual. A look at his CV and he’s been involved with the GPA as a Player Development Manager. Since January, Graffin has worked in the Ulster University (Magee) as a part-time lecturer and teaching assistant, specializing in Coaching Practice. The Cushendall man was also part of the u20s setup with Shivers for the 2022 season.
McManus needs no introduction to anyone who knows anything about Antrim hurling. He may be seen as an appointment from left field, but again, it shows the outside of the box thinking that Davy was alluding to. When I mauled over who could be on the list of potential candidates since his ratification, I had an inkling that Davy would give Neil a call. A man who clearly loves hurling and there’s only so much you can get from the RTE studios. Nothing beats being part of the game and coaching is the next best thing to playing. McManus takes up the mantle of Sports Performance Coach. It will be interesting to see how the Ruairi Og man manages the role with his own club commitments. While he hasn’t played a part in either of Cushendall’s first two championship matched, you would expect him to be there for the latter stages.
The last name announced and one that maybe few would be familiar with, is Pat Bennett. Described as passionate and purposeful, Bennet is a Waterford native and former Deise selector. He was part of Stephen Molumphy’s backroom team last year in Kerry and has a long standing relationship with Davy – most notably during his first spell with Waterford and Wexford.
Bennet managed Wexford club side Ferns to their first county championship win in 2022 and is the father of Stephen, Kieran and Shane Bennett. He was a selector for his club side Ballysaggart who were defeated to Creggan in the 2014 junior All-Ireland final that went to a replay.
He did say that he won’t please everyone with the appointments but he has in place the men who he trusts to help him take Antrim to the next level. It’s hard to look past the quality and caliber of the backroom team assembled.
