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Davy Fitzgerald has closed the door on any dual players representing the hurlers in 2015. Cathal Noonan/INPHO
Hurling only

Davy wishes Podge the best but says no dual players in 2015

The Clare manager says accommodating dual players was one factor that led to a disappointing season.

DAVY FITZGERALD SAYS that Clare hurling suffered last year as a result of players trying to play both codes. Podge and Sean Collins have committed to the Clare footballers for 2015 and Fitzgerald thinks that it is impossible to give 100% to both sports.

“We tried to accommodate the dual player in 2014 and it did not work for either party in our opinion, player or management,” Fitzgerald said in a statement released tonight.

“We spoke to Podge and explained our position. We felt Clare hurling suffered last year as he attempted to combine both codes. We did not have Podge with us as often as we would have liked and we felt his recovery between games was not what it could have been.

“With the demands made of inter-county players nowadays it is a huge sacrifice and commitment to play one code, let alone two, and it must be remembered that we tried in every way to accommodate Podge and Sean in 2014.”

Clare had a bitterly disappointing defence of their All-Ireland title and were eliminated by Wexford in the qualifiers without winning a single championship game. Fitzgerald felt on reflection, that to launch a proper title challenge, he would need players to be solely committed to hurling.

“When reviewing our year, it was clear to us that the dual situation affected performances, hindered training and recovery,” Fitzgerald said.

“As a management team we want what’s best for Clare hurling. That is our job.  We were of the unanimous view that for the coming year we need a panel focused only on Clare hurling.

“There is no issue with Podge or Sean Collins, Both have won All-Irelands with us, we have all soldiered together, winning and losing matches. They are a credit to their club and a credit to Clare. We’ll always have great time for both young men. That will never change.”

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