Mark Fitzgerald has stepped down as Clare senior football manager to take a new role with the Kerry under-20s.
The Kerry native said that the opportunity to work with his home county was too good to turn down as he leaves the Banner after just a year in the job.
Fitzgerald succeeded Colm Collins as Clare manager but was initially dealt a tough hand with some of Clare's best players unavailable last year.
Keelan Sexton, Eoin Cleary and Cian O'Dea all missed out as did stalwarts Jamie Malone and Pearse Lillis. Gary Cooney and Darren O'Neill were other big losses as the absentee list from the previous year's panel stretched to double-digits.
5 May 2024; Clare manager Mark Fitzgerald, right, and Kerry manager Jack O'Connor shake hands after the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Clare at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
But Clare coped well against that backdrop, finishing third in Division Three having pushed hard for promotion before showing well in the Munster final against Kerry, losing out by just five points for a finish.
The All-Ireland series was disappointing with losses to Cork, Donegal and Tyrone and that now brings the end to Fitzgerald's tenure, having decided not to finish out his two year term.
Tomás Ó Sé was confirmed as the Kerry U20 manager two weeks ago so it is believed Fitzgerald's role will as part of his backroom team in some capacity.
Clare county board are now under preesure to find a manager and it remains to be seen if coach Seanie Buckley and selector Declan Downes stay on with selector James Costello having already left for a role in Jack O'Connor's Kerry backroom team.
Clare GAA regrets to announce that Mark Fitzgerald will be stepping down from his role as manager of Clare Senior Footballers. pic.twitter.com/RU3lyERRdH
— Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) September 13, 2024
Previously a Kerins O Rahilly's player and coach, Fitzgerald managed the Limerick seniors in 2023 after Ray Dempsey's departure midway through the season. He has also been involved with various Kerry underage teams, and was last a selector with their minors in '21.
"I'd like to thank Clare County Board for their unwavering support over the year," Fitzgerald said.
"I'd also like to thank the management and backroom team of Clare senior football for their tireless work throughout the season.
"Finally, I'd like to thank the players who have shown huge commitment and dedication since taking up the role.
"I will be taking up a position with the Kerry U20 footballers and the opportunity to work with my own county was something I couldn't turn down.
"I enjoyed my time with Clare immensely and I wish them the very best of luck going forward."
