Tony Considine - Davy Fitzgerald Saga

Davy Fitzgerald Saga

The undoubtedly shocking decision of veteran goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald to walk away from the Clare panel a mere three weeks into the tenure of Tony Considine, has been in the view of many as the defining and decisive moment in Considine's brief role as Clare manager.

The withdrawal from the Clare panel of the celebrated seventeen-year veteran goalkeeper reported in January 2007 over an alleged disagreement between the pair, was believed to have revolved around the squad's intense training preparation and techniques.

This news set in motion a position from which from Tony Considine would ultimately not recover and despite Fitzgerald not speaking on the matter publicly, it had and would prove a constant milestone around Considine's neck.

Tulla goalkeeper Philip Brennan became Clare's number one in 2007 and enjoyed a solid year as the Banner custodian in the absence of the three time all-star winner Fitzgerald.

Added to that controversy the withdrawal of the hugely talented forward Tony Carmody from the panel in the middle of the national hurling league was another significant blow to the county team and its supporters.

An explanation as to why Carmody an all-star nominee decided to leave the set-up had in many eyes not been properly explained by the manager or the county board.

Clare's most influential forward Tony Griffen an all-star winner in 2006 decided to undertake a mammoth cycle across both Ireland and Canada to raise funds for the cure for Cancer in the wake of the death of his father from the disease between February and June 2007 meant Clare were shorn the service of another outstanding attacking player.

Prior to the start of the Munster championship clash with Cork at Semple Stadium on May 27, a number of players from both the Clare and Cork teams burst onto the field to engage in a pre match scuffle to the disbelief of the crowd at the venue.

Subjected to huge media scrutiny and vociferous condemnation from the GAA and media commentators both Clare and Cork were issued with one month bans to four players.

The media criticism of the events in the wake of the events at Semple Stadium was severe and drew more controversy on Clare with the loss of established players.