Antrim GAA has denied that Davy Fitzgerald is to be removed as hurling manager and vowed to work closely with players to resolve issues that have rocked their championship campaign.
The Saffrons' participation in the Joe McDonagh Cup remains in doubt after the panel opted against training on Tuesday night as their impasse with the Saffron county board continues.
The panel had penned a letter (seen by RTÉ Sport) to the county board, seeking clarity around the position of manager Davy Fitzgerald, and a resolution to an issue concerning the allocation of training gear.
The panel indicated that they would refuse to train until the issues were resolved and warned "further action could be taken".
Responding to the letter, Antrim GAA chairman Seamus McMullan told RTÉ Sport in a statement that the issues raised will be treated "very seriously", and discussions are to be held with players’ representatives.
McMullan also insisted that at no stage was a decision made to remove Fitzgerald as manager.
"Antrim GAA received correspondence (28 April 2026), issued on behalf of players from the senior hurling squad," a statement read.
"We fully acknowledge the concerns raised in the letter. I have assured players’ representatives I am treating those issues very seriously and will address them directly.
"Whilst prior commitments that could not be changed at short notice meant a meeting on the same day the letter was received was not possible, we are working closely with players’ representatives and my priority is making sure we move forward together.
"I would like to be clear: at no point was any decision taken to remove Davy Fitzgerald from his position as senior hurling manager. This was confirmed at the county committee meeting of 27 April 2026.
"Antrim senior hurling results and performances this season have been very disappointing and have understandably caused frustration for everyone. As a county committee we will always work hard to take decisions in the best interest of Antrim GAA.
"As a lifelong Gael, I believe those decisions must be taken in the right way."
RTÉ Sport understands that scheduled training did not take place on Tuesday, with Fitzgerald briefly addressing the players and no county board members present.
It is understood a number of county board officials had already agreed to attend a pre-arranged meeting in relation to hurling in Garvaghey.
Antrim have lost both their games in this year's Joe McDonagh Cup, to Down and Laois, and are scheduled to take on London in their next outing on 10 May.
