CLARE BOSS DAVY Fitzgerald isn’t concerned by the prospect of facing Waterford again next Sunday – just four weeks before the counties meet in the Munster SHC semi-final.
The sides played out a 0-22 to 0-22 draw in yesterday’s Allianz Hurling League Division 1 decider and will replay at Semple Stadium for the silverware on offer.
Although the Thurles tussle might not be remembered for too long by the purists, Fitzgerald was visibly energised by what he saw.
“I can’t wait for the next two (games), I just can’t wait to go again, I’m really looking forward to it.
“Great battles between two great teams and I really seriously can’t wait for it.”
Fitzgerald, who managed Waterford from 2008-2011, hailed Conor McGrath for his nerveless free that took the game into extra-time – and he also generously heaped praise on Maurice Shanahan for his late, late leveller.
Conor McGrath put over a free that was absolutely incredible and I’m so proud of him and what he did. Everything was on the line for us and he did it. And fair play to Maurice Shanahan at the end, he did it when he had to do it.
“That shows you what hurlers are about and even from a hurling man, I just feel it was a savage game of men to men, toe to toe.
“That’s the way I see it, maybe ye see it different, but that’s how I saw it,” Fitzgerald told reporters.
Fitzgerald was asked about the touchline flare-up towards the end of the first half when the Banner supremo and his coach Donal Óg Cusack squared up to Waterford manager Derek McGrath and selector Dan Shanahan.
He smiled: “Ah, isn’t that great boy? That’s what you want.
“Ye’d have nothing to write about if we didn’t have that.
You didn’t say anything about me shaking hands with me afterwards, you know? It was all good. I’d be no good to ye if I wasn’t like that and I’m sure he’s (McGrath) the same, you know?
“These things happen, but do you know, we love our counties, we’re there and we’re trying our best and that’s all we can do. We’re passionate.
“People said you’d come out and try not win the National League. Do any of ye think that now?
“Ye see we both wanted to win it and it’ll be the same next week, you know?
“I just think it’s fantastic for hurling. Today was great. And more to come over the next five weeks.”
And Fitzgerald has no qualms about preparing for another high-octane showdown with opponents Clare will meet again on 5 June in the provincial semi-final.
No, f*cking delighted. Play again and if they want to play it again the following week that’s fine with us too, its all good.
“We are delighted to play Waterford another two times.”
Khan has done nothing of note since Garcia knocked him out, no way he deserves a rematch. Typical hype fighter!
Khan is a great fighter till he gets hit on the chin.
Well he did beat two former world champions since that defeat in Devon Alexander and Chris Algieri so……
I think Garcia is just too good for Khan, he’s one of the best out there
Garcia has been riding his luck for a while. Many observers, myself included, thought Garcia lost to Herrera and Peterson. Garcia is a limited fighter.
Garcia got bogus decisions over Herrera and Peterson , two fight he most definitely comfortably should have lost only for bs judging saved him
Khan was beating Garcia comfortably before that mental left hook landed. Khan has improved greatly as a fighter since then, while Garcia has been gifted a few decisions (Herrera and Peterson). Khan’s punch resistance has improved but there isn’t a welter around that can take Garcia’s hook if thrown perfectly. I’d give Khan more of a chance in the rematch tbh. He has beaten some decent welters recently while Garcia has been feeding on past prime fighters. 50/50 fight if I’m honest. I hope it happens.
Guerrero took Garcia’s best shots last night and Guerrero is a blown up welterweight. Don’t think Garcia has carried his power up to welterweight. Garcia has cherry picked his opponents since Khan, with Matthysse being the notable exception. Once Garcia fights the best welterweights I think he will be exposed as a very limited boxer.
If khan gets his rematch I think he would be more cautious with a lot of running and win by UD with the crowd booing. Personally I don’t like him or the way he cherry picks his fighters waiting for that one big payday. He hasn’t earned a rematch. Garcia vs brook is a much better fight in my opinion for lots of different reasons.
Khan has absolutely no chin, easy payday for Garcia. Would prefer to see either of them fight kell brook.
F**k a mandatory defense. Real fighters try and unify the division they’re in.