Antrim hurlers cancel training as board row rumbles on

Antrim's participation in the Joe McDonagh Cup remains up in the air after the panel opted against training on Tuesday night as their impasse with the Saffron county board continues.

The panel had penned a letter (seen by RTÉ Sport) to the county board seeking clarity around the position of manager Davy Fitzgerald, and a resolution to an issue concerning the allocation of training gear.

It had indicated that they would refuse to train until the issues were resolved and warned "further action could be taken".

RTÉ Sport understands that scheduled training did not take place on Tuesday with Fitzgerald briefly addressing the players and no county board members present. It is understood some county board officials had already agreed to attend a pre-arranged meeting in relation to hurling Garvaghey.

RTÉ Sport understands that the county board, who have yet to comment publicly on the issue, are keen to open dialogue with the squad to find a resolution. The side's next scheculed match is on 9 May away to London, a game that requires extra planning given it is overseas.

The Saffrons have endured a difficult year. They just about avoided relegation from Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League, losing five of their six matches, and have lost their opening two Joe McDonagh Cup games.

The letter sent to the county board read: "The Antrim Senior Hurling Squad wish to formally raise a number of concerns regarding recent events that have caused confusion and frustration within the group.

"Firstly, there is significant concern surrounding the situation involving Davy. It is understood that a decision was made to remove Davy from his position, only for that decision to later be reversed. When this was subsequently raised and questioned, the squad were informed that no such action had taken place.

"Furthermore, when this was brought to Seamus (McMullan), the chairman was asked directly about the matter and indicated that he had no knowledge of it. This is particularly concerning given that Davy, other members of the management team, have all confirmed that the sequence of events did in fact occur. The contradiction between what occurred and what has been communicated has created uncertainty and a lack of trust among the players.

"Secondly, there are ongoing issues regarding training gear. A number of players have still not received the full allocation of gear that is expected. This has been highlighted as part of the basic gear requirements outlined in the GPA Players' Charter, which further underlines the importance of addressing the matter without delay.

"In order to address these matters directly, the squad will be requesting that Seamus, along with any other members of the County Board who wish to attend, meet with the panel at training tonight, Tuesday 28th April 2026, to provide clarity and address the concerns outlined above. If Seamus and relevant board members are not in a position to attend and engage with the squad on these issues, the players will not proceed with the scheduled training session and further action could be taken.

"The squad respectfully request:
● Clarification on the sequence of events regarding the decision involving Davy
● An explanation as to why conflicting information was provided when the matter was raised
● An update on the status of outstanding training gear and when this will be resolved
● Reassurance that clearer communication processes will be implemented going forward
A prompt and transparent response would be appreciated.

"Yours sincerely, Antrim Senior Hurling Squad."