Clare GAA Discussion - 2024 All Ireland Hurling Champions

Grats · 08-01-2021 04:13PM

I'm not from Clare. I've been to Fitzgibbon matches too down through the years and have witnessed the despicable conduct from Davy Fitz on the sideline. I've no idea of the bullying he was subjected to as a young boy. But as a grown man I've only ever seen him act the bully. Perhaps what he endured as a young lad had long lasting effects on him but it doesn't excuse his antics on the sideline practically every time he's there.

Clareman · 08-01-2021 04:40PM

Grats wrote: »

I'm not from Clare. I've been to Fitzgibbon matches too down through the years and have witnessed the despicable conduct from Davy Fitz on the sideline. I've no idea of the bullying he was subjected to as a young boy. But as a grown man I've only ever seen him act the bully. Perhaps what he endured as a young lad had long lasting effects on him but it doesn't excuse his antics on the sideline practically every time he's there.

I'm friendly with a few of his former team mates and they all say that this whole "persona" is a new thing that has just grown and grown. When he was a player he tried to distance himself from his father as much as possible for example. A few years ago he came out saying that some of his former team mates were on drugs which no-one knew what he was on about. Davy like to play the victim, whether it's being bullied, or people no liking him or people being mean to his family or his health issues or whatever it is, but the fact of the matter is the only person bringing any of this up is Davy and when he's pushed on it he just goes "I don't want to talk about it"

jimd2 · 08-01-2021 05:23PM

Clareman wrote: »

But they aren't being bullied, they really really really aren't being bullied, they are being questioned and because those questions don't want to be answered they are being deflected. The reason the club is taking a stance is because the puppet masters are getting them to do it.

An example of a past issue that was being questioned is a few years ago there was a Clare Hurlers Supporters Club setup, there was a lot of money raised, Davy himself went over to America (business class) and collected substantial amounts of money. When asked to see the accounts at a county board meeting Pat Fitz made it clear that that supporters club had nothing to do with Clare GAA so no accounts would be shared. Where all that money went to no-one know, well everyone knows but you can't ask but when you ask about that money you are accused about being a bully. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Davy's sister what the chairperson/secretary of the club.

Another example would be the re-development of Cusack Park, millions went into it and on paper everything is fine, but ask anyone involved in it and they'll tell you about stuff for houses being bought instead of stuff for the development of Cusack Park. Ask any questions about this and you are being a bully.

Another example would be the "review" into moving Cusack Park out to the by-pass, 100 of thousands was spent in looking into building a new stadium out on a flood plane next to a river, ask where that money actually went and you are being a bully.

Another example is the purchase of Clare Abbey and the development of Tulla which both have over-ran massively with no use for either as they aren't fit for purpose, ask about either and you're a bully.

Another example would be the money that was gotten for selling prime real estate land next to Cusack Park to Aldi.

There is no avenue for Clare people to raise questions as to where the money is gone and if you do ask then you are a bully

Thanks, sounds like he is his own worst enemy.

Clareman · 08-01-2021 05:42PM

jimd2 wrote: »

Thanks, sounds like he is his own worst enemy.

He's his own best publicist, they guy had a great hurling career and has had a decent managerial career to date, he gets results and has won every major senior title in the game, no-one will ever be able to take that away from him BUT the way he goes about his business rubs everyone up the wrong way. He seems to try to instil a siege mentality, them vs us, in every team, and that will only last for so long, you can't take away from him that players love him while he's managing them. Davy's other problem is that when he finishes in Wexford it's hard to see where he's going to go next.

Positiveways · 08-01-2021 05:53PM

Clareman wrote: »

He's his own best publicist, they guy had a great hurling career and has had a decent managerial career to date, he gets results and has won every major senior title in the game, no-one will ever be able to take that away from him BUT the way he goes about his business rubs everyone up the wrong way. He seems to try to instil a siege mentality, them vs us, in every team, and that will only last for so long, you can't take away from him that players love him while he's managing them. Davy's other problem is that when he finishes in Wexford it's hard to see where he's going to go next.

Do you think that there is a chance of him returning to manage Clare again, Clareman? If as expected there is opposition to him returning to manage his own native county, would he be better served if he took a key underage role in the county, which might be the best path for him, if he so wishes to return to manage the flagship county hurling team, in the coming years.

DF in the past has spoken of his ambition to return to manage the Clare senior hurlers one day. I presume this is depending on his father's intentions re his job as CCB secretary might play a part of "will he won't he" return to Clare hurling.

bonzothedog · 08-01-2021 06:18PM

Hi he is eyeing the Clare job and it is expected he will be the Clare manager again after Brian Lohan.

It's a ****ing disgrace what is happening in Clare at the moment. The Kildare minor hurlers have a better nutrition plan than the Clare seniors, that is anot a joke, I know someone in both camps.
You need finance and acumen win an AI title, neither is evident in the Clare county board, Brian Lohan is doing well with the resources he has. Where has all the money gone though? Maybe someone in Sixmilebridge might answer that instead of defending the indefensible.

Clareman · 08-01-2021 06:27PM

Positiveways wrote: »

Do you think that there is a chance of him returning to manage Clare again, Clareman? If as expected there is opposition to him returning to manage his own native county, would he be better served if he took a key underage role in the county, which might be the best path for him, if he so wishes to return to manage the flagship county hurling team, in the coming years.

DF in the past has spoken of his ambition to return to manage the Clare senior hurlers one day. I presume this is depending on his father's intentions re his job as CCB secretary might play a part of "will he won't he" return to Clare hurling.

The feeling in Clare was that it was all about bringing Davy back once these minors came through, we'd an OK minor team and the thought was with Bruiser over the minors, Bugler in Flannans and with Hasset taking over the seniors there was a plan to bring everything through for Davy to return in 3-5 years, all that fell apart. Don't forget the first time around with Clare Davy felt it was year or 2 too early but his brother in laws tenure couldn't go on any longer and it would have been too much of a risk to allow someone else first crack at that team on under 21s.

Clareman · 08-01-2021 06:28PM

bonzothedog wrote: »

Hi he is eyeing the Clare job and it is expected he will be the Clare manager again after Brian Lohan.

It's a ****ing disgrace what is happening in Clare at the moment. The Kildare minor hurlers have a better nutrition plan than the Clare seniors, that is anot a joke, I know someone in both camps.
You need finance and acumen win an AI title, neither is evident in the Clare county board, Brian Lohan is doing well with the resources he has. Where has all the money gone though? Maybe someone in Sixmilebridge might answer that instead of defending the indefensible.

The questions that are being asked are about where the money is gone but that's bullying.

Feenie · 08-01-2021 06:59PM

bonzothedog wrote: »

Hi he is eyeing the Clare job and it is expected he will be the Clare manager again after Brian Lohan.

It's a ****ing disgrace what is happening in Clare at the moment. The Kildare minor hurlers have a better nutrition plan than the Clare seniors, that is anot a joke, I know someone in both camps.
You need finance and acumen win an AI title, neither is evident in the Clare county board, Brian Lohan is doing well with the resources he has. Where has all the money gone though? Maybe someone in Sixmilebridge might answer that instead of defending the indefensible.

I think he said he's not going for an intercounty job after he's down with Wexford. More than likely he'll manage the bridge and then wait and just sit on his money for the rest of his life, showing up here and there.
If he tries to come back it might have the benefit of a better financial presence.

Feenie · 08-01-2021 07:02PM

I also have to agree, what's happening at underage is disgraceful, down right disgraceful. It's not too complicated, egos just block the greater good.
It's only 3 things we'd need to be cleared up and nothing would be too in the way
1. Get Nutrition and proper conditions programs started at underage county and underage club, I'd say u15 up
2. Improve Caherlohan to atleast a basic level
3. Improve Cusack Park as a stadium and actually properly put money into a new stand.

Clareman · 08-01-2021 07:27PM

Looks like something is watching us

https://twitter.com/HurlerD/status/1347595330146209794?s=19

Clareman · 08-01-2021 07:27PM

Clareman wrote: »

Looks like something is watching us

https://twitter.com/HurlerD/status/1347595330146209794?s=19

https://twitter.com/HurlerD/status/1347596201307348993?s=19

LuckyGent88 · 09-01-2021 01:05PM

Such a whinge bag and as stated it’s a case of why always me!!

They need to seriously look in the mirror. Davy had his own cases of bullying in relation to the Clare squad, the county finances are a joke, our facilities are terrible, we have no forward planning and to top it all off Davy is an arsehole in general anyway. Always whinging.

Clareman · 09-01-2021 01:28PM

LuckyGent88 wrote: »

Such a whinge bag and as stated it’s a case of why always me!!

They need to seriously look in the mirror. Davy had his own cases of bullying in relation to the Clare squad, the county finances are a joke, our facilities are terrible, we have no forward planning and to top it all off Davy is an arsehole in general anyway. Always whinging.

Its easier to play the victim and say that you're being bullied that deal with the issue because dealing with the issue could land some people in prison.

opinionated3 · 09-01-2021 05:44PM

niallo27 wrote: »

Sixmilebridge coming out playing the victim here is laughable, the most vile, disgusting, miserable, player poaching club in the country. They wouldn't even let a fella collect a few quid outside the church to go play handball in Canada, because it was not hurling, he won a world championship by the way. They are absolutely detested by a lot of people in the bridge never mind the rest of Clare.

Gaelic football is also banned there btw. So technically it's not a "gaa club", it just a hurling and camogie club.

Feenie · 09-01-2021 06:42PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

Gaelic football is also banned there btw. So technically it's not a "gaa club", it just a hurling and camogie club.

it's actually banned? the pitch can't be used to play gaelic football matches?

opinionated3 · 09-01-2021 06:52PM

Feenie wrote: »

it's actually banned? the pitch can't be used to play gaelic football matches?

Not sure if like, a random match could be played there, but yeah the powers that be do not want any underage teams playing anything other then small ball. Approaches have been made by locals/ new arrivals in the village, in the recent past to start underage football teams but were told this would not be happening. So it's not a gaa club as the rest of us might understand the term. And don't dare mention lads who wish to play soccer as well as hurling!!!
Listen, to be fair to them, they are county champions and probably will be for the foreseeable. That justifies their approach (in their minds anyway).

Feenie · 09-01-2021 07:54PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

Not sure if like, a random match could be played there, but yeah the powers that be do not want any underage teams playing anything other then small ball. Approaches have been made by locals/ new arrivals in the village, in the recent past to start underage football teams but were told this would not be happening. So it's not a gaa club as the rest of us might understand the term. And don't dare mention lads who wish to play soccer as well as hurling!!!
Listen, to be fair to them, they are county champions and probably will be for the foreseeable. That justifies their approach (in their minds anyway).

Sixmilebridge are some team for the county, but they suffer outside. They really aren't a good side. If Cratloe or Ballyea were put into the munster club, they'd be one of the top teams.

Clareman · 09-01-2021 08:05PM

Feenie wrote: »

Sixmilebridge are some team for the county, but they suffer outside. They really aren't a good side. If Cratloe or Ballyea were put into the munster club, they'd be one of the top teams.

I think that's more to do with the way Davy sets up his teams rather than anything else, Davy's tactics concentrate on defense, keep the score down, have a good free taker and take your chances, that will win a lot of games but when you are against a good team you will be found out as he was on a few occasions for every team he's managed.

Feenie · 09-01-2021 08:06PM

Clareman wrote: »

I think that's more to do with the way Davy sets up his teams rather than anything else, Davy's tactics concentrate on defense, keep the score down, have a good free taker and take your chances, that will win a lot of games but when you are against a good team you will be found out as he was on a few occasions for every team he's managed.

indeed...a good manager but lacks the ability to adapt....imagine how much further clare could have went.

opinionated3 · 09-01-2021 08:09PM

If I'm being honest, I have no clue where the abuse of pat Fitz comes from. Can someone enlighten me here without me having to trawl back through pages of discussion?! Does he blatantly favour SMB all the time or something? Davy is a bit more obvious, and he does annoy me sometimes, but I'll always respect him for what he did for Clare hurling, both as a player and coach. And I certainly wouldn't stoop to name calling or making up lies about them on social media. I'm all for friendly discussion and giving/ listening to opinions on all sports and the characters within the games. What I find a little weird about the events of this week is that SMB have waited until now to write their letter. Allegedly this carry on has being going on for quite some time so who wait till now?

Feenie · 09-01-2021 08:13PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

If I'm being honest, I have no clue where the abuse of pat Fitz comes from. Can someone enlighten me here without me having to trawl back through pages of discussion?! Does he blatantly favour SMB all the time or something? Davy is a bit more obvious, and he does annoy me sometimes, but I'll always respect him for what he did for Clare hurling, both as a player and coach. And I certainly wouldn't stoop to name calling or making up lies about them on social media. I'm all for friendly discussion and giving/ listening to opinions on all sports and the characters within the games. What I find a little weird about the events of this week is that SMB have waited until now to write their letter. Allegedly this carry on has being going on for quite some time so who wait till now?

The criticism of Pat Fitz comes from his mismanagement of resources. In Clare many clubs lack proper resources and some of the facilities that were going to be built or improved fell to the wayside. Not to mention the redevelopment of Cusack Park as a stadium was a complete disaster, as the stadium hasn't truly improved.

opinionated3 · 09-01-2021 08:20PM

Feenie wrote: »

The criticism of Pat Fitz comes from his mismanagement of resources. In Clare many clubs lack proper resources and some of the facilities that were going to be built or improved fell to the wayside. Not to mention the redevelopment of Cusack Park as a stadium was a complete disaster, as the stadium hasn't truly improved.

Agreed on the stadium. No major improvement whatsoever and hard to see where all the money went on it. As regards the clubs I suppose there will always be a bit of envy when committees see what other clubs are getting Vs what they are. Take SMB for example. Seems to be a bottomless pit of money for development coming their way constantly but then again they would argue that the recent explosion in population justifies all that. But does that warrant the personal abuse online?

Figerty · 09-01-2021 08:25PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

If I'm being honest, I have no clue where the abuse of pat Fitz comes from. Can someone enlighten me here without me having to trawl back through pages of discussion?! Does he blatantly favour SMB all the time or something? Davy is a bit more obvious, and he does annoy me sometimes, but I'll always respect him for what he did for Clare hurling, both as a player and coach. And I certainly wouldn't stoop to name calling or making up lies about them on social media. I'm all for friendly discussion and giving/ listening to opinions on all sports and the characters within the games. What I find a little weird about the events of this week is that SMB have waited until now to write their letter. Allegedly this carry on has being going on for quite some time so who wait till now?

The Pat Fitz abuse was on a a different forum. I haven't been on that forum ever becuase it was wild and out of order. The Clarehurlers forum before that was less out of control, but was getting bad when it was pulled. Pub talk.
His comment about his relationship with Brian Lohan around convention times says enough and he should be planning his exit gracefully at this stage.. the problem is he is also probably planning his replacement as well.

Davy is a different issue. What we saw last night was the bland type of interview that legitimises poor journalism. No question to Davy about his antics on television post match interviews or behaviour on the sideline.. It struck me that that type if weak interevew is what got Donal Trump legitimised. I am not comparing Donald Trump to Davy Fitz. hmm......would be worth thinking about though.

Clareman · 09-01-2021 08:29PM

Feenie wrote: »

indeed...a good manager but lacks the ability to adapt....imagine how much further clare could have went.

In his defense I don't know if another manager would have won the AI in 2013 with Clare, we changed a couple of times that year, the problem was that seemed to solidify in his head that he was right and he then became more interested in tactics than letting the players play, we were too interested in defense that we were in attack when we should have been looking to outscore the opposition rather than stopping them scoring. He also seemed to get bogged down in winning silverware like the Munster Cup or the league when we should have been looking to blood new players. IF Davy had left 2 years earlier I think Clare would be in a far better place than we are now but there's no point in going over all that again.

MyPeopleDrankTheSoup · 09-01-2021 08:30PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

If I'm being honest, I have no clue where the abuse of pat Fitz comes from.

Whatever ya think of him, GAA administrators always gets loads of criticism, especially when they're in the job so long, like a politician who gets loads of abuse if they stay around for too long. All political careers end in failure and a county board chairman is kinda like a politician.

It's also like owners of soccer clubs. It's just par for the course. The problem is they might see it online now when before it was all confined to the local pubs. Imagine if Pat or Frank Murphy heard everything said about them by lads over pints over the years, god help them.

Clareman · 09-01-2021 08:33PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

If I'm being honest, I have no clue where the abuse of pat Fitz comes from. Can someone enlighten me here without me having to trawl back through pages of discussion?! Does he blatantly favour SMB all the time or something? Davy is a bit more obvious, and he does annoy me sometimes, but I'll always respect him for what he did for Clare hurling, both as a player and coach. And I certainly wouldn't stoop to name calling or making up lies about them on social media. I'm all for friendly discussion and giving/ listening to opinions on all sports and the characters within the games. What I find a little weird about the events of this week is that SMB have waited until now to write their letter. Allegedly this carry on has being going on for quite some time so who wait till now?

Pat Fitz is the Clare GAA Secretary, he has been employed by the county board in 1 way or another since 1990, his Croke Park contract finished in 2016 but he's still there. Under his tenure considerable amount of money has come in and out of the county board but at the moment we are badly in debt without much to show for it. People have been asking questions but these are either being ignored or rebuked or said to be nothing to do with him, these questions are being asked online and this is being considered bullying.

BloodyBill · 09-01-2021 10:35PM

Clareman wrote: »

I think it's fair to say that when the Bridge are playing a championship match then half the Bridge are supporting the other team, regardless of who they are playing.

That wouldn't be fair to say. It would be such a silly thing to say. I would agree that many in the area don't agree with the club fully supporting the Fitzgerald faction. Me included. But in regards to playing ball and putting out hurling teams then Sixmilebridge are a different level to the rest in Clare.

BloodyBill · 09-01-2021 10:38PM

opinionated3 wrote: »

Not sure if like, a random match could be played there, but yeah the powers that be do not want any underage teams playing anything other then small ball. Approaches have been made by locals/ new arrivals in the village, in the recent past to start underage football teams but were told this would not be happening. So it's not a gaa club as the rest of us might understand the term. And don't dare mention lads who wish to play soccer as well as hurling!!!
Listen, to be fair to them, they are county champions and probably will be for the foreseeable. That justifies their approach (in their minds anyway).

Its banned. Most people in the club would say 'go to Cratloe if you want to play Bog ball'. A parish priest tried to bring it in years ago and he was stopped. They don't want to turn into another dual disaster like Cratloe who get to semis and lose em. Its a hurling club

opinionated3 · 09-01-2021 11:17PM

They might want to change their name then, to accurately reflect that "hurling only" status, because when they apply to headquarters for funding, it's clearly only for one facet of Gaelic games. And the funny thing is, with the size and population of the parish, IMO they could easily turn out hurling and gaelic football teams no bother.

Clare GAA Discussion - 2024 All Ireland Hurling Champions

Comments