Davy Fitzgerald (AKA Fitzy) in Profile
Sunday, 14th August 2005

DAVY, who was 34 a week ago, joined the Clare panel in 1989, so this is his 16th championship campaign. Goalkeeping was all he ever wanted to do and his collection of medals includes two All-Ireland, three Munster, Railway Cups, a Munster minor and six county titles with Sixmilebridge, where he now manages the senior team. He won every underage title at club level and Munster and All-Ireland club medals. At St Flannan's he won Harty Cup and All-Ireland medals. He has two Vodafone All-Stars and represented Ireland in shinty internationals.

Most memorable sporting moment?

The 1995 Munster final, because in my memory it was the first time Clare had won anything and the emotion on the day was incredible. It was the most special feeling ever.

Worst sporting moment?

The 1993 Munster final, when we got absolutely walloped. Tipperary were on fire and we were humiliated. It was very demoralising, but it's days like that that keep your feet on the ground. You never forget those days.

Sporting event you would pay most to see?

I'd love to see the Super Bowl just for the whole show of it and the atmosphere. Miami Dolphins are my team and they always seem to lose.

Moment in your life when sport was put into perspective?

The passing away of one or two good friends - two in particular. Sheila Considine was a young girl who suffered from spina bifida and lived for the hurling. I used visit her before every match and she fought so hard to live. That said it all to me - there's nothing as important as life. And my own coach from when I was young, Kevin 'Trixie' Twomey, was batting balls to me the week before the All-Ireland quarter-final last year and the next week he was gone with a heart attack. It shows you that hurling games are massive, but not the end of the world.

Sporting heroes?

Growing up, I thought Jimmy Keaveney was brilliant, a genius; Pádraig Harrington is another one, he's so mentally strong, to go to the States and win a couple of times there. I used follow him around when he played in the South at Lahinch, he is some competitor; and Tiger Woods, because he's phenomenal.

Least favourite venue?

Ballinasloe. It's a great pitch, but we never seem to win there.

What most distinguishes a county player from a club player?

The extra preparation, the extra bit of minding your diet, the extra bit of weights to keep your fitness topped up and all that a club player wouldn't have to do.

Who is the best club player who hasn't made your county team?

Stiofán Fitzpatrick (Sixmilebridge), who plays centre-back and can also play centre-field, and he's 24.

Is it necessary to be hard/ruthless to be successful at county level?

It is, no doubt about it. I remember one great manager said to us: 'Nice guys win eff all' - and I would agree with that.

How many times have you been sent off in your career?

Never. I haven't hit anyone a dirty stroke ever.

What is the most annoying thing an opponent has done to you in the course of a game?

I can't answer that until I'm finished hurling or I'll have every forward in the country doing it to me.

If there was a transfer market who would be your target?

Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) because we could do with one more scoring forward. And I know from training him (at Limerick IT) that he has the bottle and so much stuff for the big day.

What proportion of training time do you spend on the skills of the game?

With me it must be 70 to 75 per cent on skills alone and it would be nearly every day. It's important for me in my position.

If you could change a rule in your game what would it be?

I'd like to see managers given an opportunity after games to talk to referees and ask about different decisions and why they were made. At certain times you'd like to know and you don't get an opportunity. Another thing - 20-metre frees and penalties should not end up being taken inside the 20-metre line.

Are there any perks involved in playing for the county?

Yes, when you're winning you'll get a great holiday out of it. I have been to Thailand, Dubai, Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Arizona and New York - all from hurling.

How many years before players are financially rewarded and would you approve?

It's coming within the next six to eight years. I wouldn't agree with it going really professional, but we're spending five to six hours every evening and you don't want it to be costing you. There should be something there to cover you for all the work you put in.

How has your social life suffered since you became a county player?

For the last 16 years, you can write off six to eight months of the year. It doesn't bother me because I don't really drink, but there are times when you'd like to be out with your mates and you can't.

Most annoying question asked by the public - and the answer?

'Do you think you're going to win?' It's annoying because every time you go out you expect to win, so the answer has to be 'Yes'.

Which four sportspeople would you like to invite to dinner?

Niall Gilligan is a good mate of mine and super craic. He has a great outlook on life, he's one of those guys it's good to be around; Maria Sharapova, because she's a good tennis player!; John Mullane because with him and Gilly at the one table we'd be laughing all night. I was with John on the All Stars' trip to Las Vegas and he's pure mad; and Roy Keane, because I like his temperament - he's always in trouble.

Sporting motto?

Never give in.