Davy Fitzgerald says a lot of soul-searching went into his decision to return for a second season as Antrim senior hurling manager.

After retaining their status in Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League, the Glensmen would suffer relegation from the Leinster senior hurling championship in May after falling to a 3-15 to 1-16 loss to Offaly in Tullamore.

It marked a fifth consecutive defeat for Fitzgerald’s side in the Leinster SHC and, speaking to RTE Sport, the Clare native talked about his decision to return for a second season in the Saffron County.

"There was a lot of thinking, a lot of soul-searching and that, but I believe it was the right thing to do," he stated.

"I feel, to people I really know well up there, and to people in Antrim, to go in and out in one year would be a bit unfair. I think it's important that I, no matter what, give a second year and do my absolute best to be the best I can for them.

"We didn't want to get relegated out of Leinster, so from that point of view, I wouldn't be happy that that happened. I was happy enough we stayed in the league where we were [Division 1B]. But I learned a lot, and I have to say, worked with a very good, very honest bunch of players.

"It's year one, let's see can we do better in year two and see how it goes. I'm confident that the ability is there. You look at them club-wise, they're as good, hurling-wise, as anyone. I remember saying last year, which was probably picked up a bit wrong, that we had one or two issues or aspects of play that we needed to go back and start again. But I always said that the hurling was top-class.”

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