Here come the girls at the Model
WEXFORD hurling manager, Davy Fitzgerald has given a central role to legendary Model County camogie goalkeeper, Mags D’arcy in his coaching staff.
D’arcy took a year out from inter-county duty in 2017 and injury has sidelined her to date, with surgery a probability to address tendonitis, although new boss Martin Carey – brother of Kilkenny great DJ – has approached her about coming in later in the year.
While she remains doubtful about whether or not that might be possible, D’arcy was delighted to accept an invitation from Fitzgerald to join his team.
“I’ve known Davy a long, long time” said D’arcy at the Liberty Insurance Women In
Sport symposium at
Croke Park yesterday.
“I played camogie for 16 years for Wexford. The first time I ever came across Davy, outside of watching him go mental on the field on telly, we were down in Ennis and playing Clare in a championship match 13 years ago.
“We were hammering Clare but I was relentless and ruthless. I wanted more from my team so I kept talking to my backs.
“All I kept hearing was sniggers. I went over and said ‘Do you have a problem like?’ ‘Not at all girl’ he says. It was Davy. That was my first interaction with him.
“He’s been a mentor for me over the years. Sport isn’t all about winning. You do have your ups and downs as well. He’s been a voice of reason for me.
“Since he came to Wexford we’ve had more coffees, more chat and the conversation evolved. He said, ‘Come on girl, up you come.’ I don’t feel like I’m retired from camogie but it’s an opportunity that came my way.”