2018 is about maintenance, says Fitzgerald

Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald says "2018 is about maintenance" following the Model County's impressive 2017 campaign.

Wexford have thrived under Fitzgerald's management since the Clare native replaced Liam Dunne as boss in October 2016.

Last year, Wexford were promoted to the top division of the Allianz Hurling League for the first time since 2011, and beat Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final to reach their first provincial final since 2008.

Their All-Ireland campiagn finally ended at the quarter-final stage, with the Yellowbellies suffering just their third defeat of the year under Fitzgerald when losing 1-23 to 1-19 to Waterford at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on 23 July.

And Fitzgerald, who led Clare to Liam MacCarthy glory in 2013, says keeping Wexford in Division One will be his main priority for 2018.

"The trick now is to stay in Division One," the Sixmilebridge clubman told the Times [Ireland]. 

"If we were speaking in a year's time and you asked me about having a Division One status I'd be happy with that no matter what way the championship went.

"Galway, Cork, Tipp, Kilkenny, they are all coming hard again next year and unless we are ready for them early in the new season we will be in trouble. The key is to stay up — that's all I'm looking for right now.

"I think 2018 is about maintenance. If we just stay there in Division 1A it will be massive. Teams will realise what we are doing now a bit more and will take us more serious. That will make it tougher."

Fitzgerald also says speculation linking him with the Dublin job earlier in the summer was well wide of the mark.

Ger Cunningham stepped down as Dublin hurling manager after three years at the helm, following his side's 6-26 to 1-19 qualifier defeat to Tipperary on 8 July.

The Dublin County Board finally appointed Pat Gilroy as their new manager on 11 October, with the 45-year-old agreeing a three-year term.

Fitzgerald says he was linked with the Sky Blues' job only because he delayed making a decision on his own future with Wexford until he was sure he had the full support of his family.

Fitzgerald drives 200km each way from his home in Clare to Wexford and back four times a week, and the 46-year-old was worried about the effect it was having on his personal life.

"All that talk of Dublin was just talk," he continued.

"I had personal family issues at home and that was the only reason I contemplated taking the job on again, the only reason I delayed my decision. 

"The trip over is cruel but I have good people in the car with me and that shortens the route. I love it down here. The people have accepted me as one of their own."

Wexford take on Galway, Kilkenny, Offaly and Dublin in the new Leinster SHC championship, with two home and two away matches in a round-robin format.

The top team in the group will go into the provincial final, with the winner of that game heading directly to the All-Ireland semi-final. 

Image: Inpho/Bryan Keane

eir Sport channels are available across the eir Vision, Sky and Vodafone TV platforms as well as on the eir Sport app. All 7 channels in the eir Sport pack are available for free if you are a residential eir broadband customer