Collins: Davy won't be changing his mind

By Conor McKeon

PODGE Collins has revealed that Davy Fitzgerald effectively made his mind up for him when choosing which code to represent Clare in next year by forcing him to make a decision.

The 2013 Hurler of the Year nominee, also one of Clare's most talented footballers, was informed by Davy Fitzgerald that his dual commitments were no longer acceptable to hurling management in 2015.

"Davy felt it didn't work last year and that's fair enough so definitely in 2015 it won't be happening and I don't think I'll be changing his mind, to be honest," he explained.

"I tried (to put his case to him.). 'It's nothing personal, there's no hard feelings,' he said, 'look I felt it didn't work this year' and I said, 'if that's your feeling on it, there's no player bigger than the manager of Clare, you've the final word'.

"I was in work and getting down, like I didn't feel well," added Collins, who this year won a Clare club double with the Cratloe hurlers and footballers.

BAD MOOD

"I was in a bad mood and getting grumpy with people I shouldn't have been getting grumpy with.

"From a young age I said if anybody made me choose between one or the other I would go to the other because I just love them both. I don't know what people think of that but that is kind of what it came down to."

Collins' former joint Under 21 manager Gerry O'Connor last night stepped down from the role having helped guide the Banner to three All-Ireland successes at the grade, although Donal Maloney will go forward as sole manager for next year's team.

In Tipperary, it looks increasingly likely that Eamon O'Shea will remain in situ as hurling boss for 2015.

Meanwhile, former Waterford manager and Kildare selector Niall Carew was last night confirmed as Sligo's senior and Under 21 boss.

Former Kildare captain, Ronan Sweeney, will form part of his backroom team.