By Cian O'Connell

Davy Fitzgerald has been appointed as the new Wexford hurling manager. Fitzgerald, who stepped down as Clare boss on September 21, will take charge of Wexford in 2017.

A statement on the Wexford GAA website confirmed that Fitzgerald will replace Liam Dunne. "The appointment was made at a special meeting of Wexford County Board held in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on Friday night (October 7)," the statement said.

"The nomination and appointment followed a detailed meeting at a Portlaoise hotel the previous day (Thursday) between Fitzgerald and six members of the Wexford Senior Hurling Management Selection Committee: Diarmuid Devereux (County Chairman), Margaret Doyle (County Secretary), Dermot Howlin, Philip Howlin, George Foley, and John Conran.

"The Selection Committee members interviewed many contenders for the role during the previous two weeks, and were most impressed by Fitzgerald, who recently departed the managerial role in his native Clare.

"He was their unanimous choice as new Wexford manager, and he provisionally accepted the role on Thursday night, pending approval at Friday night’s County Board meeting.

"The appointment is for a three-year term, with a review to take place after year two."

Fitzgerald will finalise his management team shortly, but former Wexford under 21 supremo JJ Doyle will be involved. "I am really excited about this opportunity with Wexford, and I was honoured to be asked to accept the job. It’s a new challenge for me, and I’m really looking forward to it," Fitzgerald commented.

Wexford County Board Chairman Diarmuid Devereux is excited about Fitzgerald's arrival. "On behalf of Wexford County Board and Wexford GAA supporters, I welcome Davy to County Wexford.

"He is an ideal fit for our young senior hurling squad, and I am excited about the prospects for the future.

"The initial aim will be for Wexford to move from Division 1B of the National Hurling League up to Division 1A, and then to build on that."