By Páraic McMahon
Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Fitzgibbon Cup manager at the Limerick Institute of Technology.
During his sixteen years as manager, Davy led LIT to two Fitzgibbon Cup titles in 2005 and 2007. Well known GAA personalities such as Cyril Farrell, Pat Bennett, Seoirse Bulfin and Jimmy Browne have worked alongside management teams with Fitzgerald for the third level institute.
He will take on an ambassadorial role within LIT. A statement from the institute said of his new appointment, "it will involve working to help students in addressing some of the challenges they face on their journey through college.
"This will see the Clareman drawing on his extensive coaching and managerial expertise, as well as his personal life experience".
According to the current Wexford boss the time was right to move on. "I have very much enjoyed my time managing the LIT Fitzgibbon team over the last 16 years, and made a lot of friends both in LIT and outside it.
"It was very special and I won’t forget it, but it is time to move on. I would like to thank the president and everyone in the LIT for that and for the opportunity to work in a new capacity there, which I am very much looking forward to."
Fitzgerald was made a fellow in recognition of his contribution to the college in 2013. President of LIT, Professor Vincent Cunnane said, "Davy is synonymous with LIT and with achievement".
"As manager of LIT’s hurling team, he brought tremendous success to the college, bringing us to a position of consistent competitiveness. To record a success rate of over 70% across a 16 year period is a remarkable feat unequalled by any manager in colleges hurling.
"In fact, during Davy’s tenure, LIT competed in the final weekend of every Fitzgibbon competition except four. Davy has a passion for helping people. This ethic is fundamental in what we do, and we will now be working with Davy to help him contribute to the lives of our students off the field in a structured way.
"This means engaging with students who are experiencing challenges and uncertainties in a unique partnership with our Student Support Services."
