Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Waterford manager after two seasons in charge. The All-Ireland winning manager turned down the option of a third year after back-to-back seasons where the Déise failed to get out of the Munster round-robin.
In a short statement released to the Irish Examiner the Clare man thanked the players for all their hard work:
“After careful consideration, I have decided to step down as manager of the Waterford senior hurling team,” he stated. “I would like to sincerely thank the players for their efforts over the last two years.
So with Fitzgerald leaving, we've decided to look at who are the main contenders to take over as manager in 2025.
Léigh an scéal seo trí Ghaeilge ar Liathróidí.ie brúigh anseo.
1. Darragh O’Sullivan
The Ballygunner manager, has an impressive CV, with multiple Waterford senior hurling championship titles, Munster hurling titles, and an All-Ireland club medal thanks to a last-gasp Harry Ruddle goal.
Would he have any interest in leaving the Gunner’s set-up? Also if they go on another long run in the club championship would he have the time to prepare the inter-county team
16 December 2023; Ballygunner manager Darragh O'Sullivan before the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final match between St Thomas' of Galway and Ballygunner of Waterford at MW Hire O'Moore Park in Portlaoise, Laois. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
2. Sean Power
Sean Power, the winning manager of All-Ireland minor and U21 with the Déise and the man who helped guide the Waterford camogie team to their first All-Ireland final since 1945, would undoubtedly be a popular choice for the job. However, having just left the camogie role after a year, the question remains-would he be interested in the job?
22 July 2023; Waterford manager Seán Power before the All-Ireland Camogie Championship semi-final match between Tipperary and Waterford at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
READ MORE: The Counties Who Could Be Looking For A New Manager Next Season
3. Derek McGrath
The sweeping brush could be being repaired as the De La Salle man could make his return. He will be in high demand after guiding the Déise to Munster and All-Ireland finals with most of these players. However, has his tactics become outdated, and would he be willing to change?
10 June 2018; Waterford manager Derek McGrath during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Limerick and Waterford at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
4. Ken McGrath
The current under-20 county manager, along with fellow legends Dan Shanahan and Kevin Moran, sounds like the dream management ticket in terms of getting legends back involved with the team. However, they had an unimpressive Munster campaign, failing to win a game.
McGrath has previous senior inter-county experience when he was a selector under Michael Ryan.
25 March 2012; Ken McGrath, selector, Waterford. Allianz Hurling League Division 1A, Round 4, Galway v Waterford, Pearse Stadium, Galway. Picture credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
5. Brendan Cummins
Waterford has had success with Tipp managers in the past. Although he hasn’t had the same underage success as Liam Cahill with the Tipp U20s, if the Ballybacon man wants to step his toes into the water of senior inter-county management, wouldn’t now be the ideal time? However, the feeling is Cummins has unfinished business with his current side and wants to win an All-Ireland with this group.
1 June 2024; Tipperary manager Brendan Cummins before the oneills.com GAA Hurling All-Ireland U20 Championship final match between Offaly and Tipperary at UPMC Nowlan Park in Kilkenny. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
