Davy Fitzgerald will remain as Antrim hurling manager for the remainder of the Joe McDonagh Cup campaign, following a crucial meeting between the county chairman and a five-man player delegation on Wednesday evening. The decision brings an end to a turbulent week that saw conflicting reports about Fitzgerald's status, which led to players boycotting Tuesday's scheduled training session.

The squad returned to training on Friday evening at Dunsilly under Fitzgerald's guidance. The Clare native will now lead the team through their remaining three McDonagh Cup fixtures, starting with an away clash against London in Ruislip next weekend, followed by home matches against Westmeath and Carlow.

Earlier in the week, Antrim GAA denied rumors that Fitzgerald had been dismissed after last week's defeat to Laois and then reinstated following player concerns. The former Wexford and Waterford boss had successfully kept the Saffrons in Division One B of the Allianz Hurling League last year, though he was unable to prevent relegation from the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.

This season has been a mixed bag for Antrim. They suffered league losses to Wexford, Clare, Kildare, Dublin, and Down, but a sole victory over Carlow proved enough to avoid relegation on points difference. Fitzgerald, who succeeded Darren Gleeson as Antrim boss at the end of the 2024 season, is on a two-year term with the option of a third—a tenure that now continues with renewed focus and unity.