“I Couldn’t See It Having Much Of An Effect" - Buckley on Fitzgerald's Ban
Kilkenny's Cillain Buckley admits he wasn't surprised by Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald's sideline antics.
He won't be on the line for the potential meeting with the Cats in the Leinster semi-final in June after being hit with an 8 week ban.
Fitzgerald stormed onto the pitch after Tipperary netted a second goal in their Allianz League semi-final win last weekend.
He was furious that referee Diarmuid Kirwan didn’t award a free-out, while on the field he clashed with two Tipperary players.
The physical confrontation has led to the suspension. The Kilkenny midfielder though doesn't believe the banning of their boss will hamper Wexford:
“I couldn’t see it having too much of an effect over the next few weeks.
“Davy is still the Wexford manager and he’ll have them prepared for their first round match at the end of May and maybe to play us, or whoever it be, two or three weeks later. I couldn’t see it having too much of an effect.”
Buckley was unsure how he would’ve reacted if in the boots of Jason Forde or Niall O’Meara who tussled with Fitzgerald at the weekend.
“I don’t know. I suppose you have enough to be at on the field without having to take on the manager as well.
“Davy is great, you get great energy from him when you’re not involved in the games anyway. It’s great to look at him.
“I never thought I’d get to have a go at Davy, I thought his days were over, but he obviously still fancies himself.
“From my own perspective against Wexford, he brings this huge energy. You can see the players feed off him.
“That’s his style of management. He has an impact on every team he’s been involved with.”
Cillian Buckley was speaking to 98FM's Darren Cleary at the launch of the Beko Club Bua award scheme, a new club accreditation and health check system co-ordinated by Leinster GAA for clubs in the province.
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