As the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup gets underway this Wednesday, the managers are putting their final touches together in the hopes of winning silverware. In 2022, it was University of Limerick claimed their first title since 2018 in a dramatic final against University of Galway in a hugely exciting Fitzgibbon Cup final.
While the 2023 Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup will showcase some of the best young talent hurling has to offer, there are several big name managers who will be hoping to make a statement. From All-Ireland winners to managers who have enjoyed Fitzgibbon Cup success previously, it will be an interesting battle on the sidelines.
Here are the managers to watch in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup.
2023 Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Managers To Watch
Jeffrey Lynskey - University of Galway
After coming so close to winning last year's title, University of Galway manager Jeffrey Lynskey will be desperate to avenge last year's final defeat to University of Limerick.
After guiding Galway to minor hurling titles in 2015, 2017 and 2018, the former Galway hurler knows how to get the best out of young talent. Many of the side he managed have gone on to impress for Galway in 2022, such as Jack Grealish and Tom Monaghan.
He will manage a very exciting team in this year's Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup, with Evan Niland, Brian Concannon and Greg Thomas among the quality players set to feature.
The former Galway hurler hasn't been afraid to speak out on the problems facing the GAA leading up to this tournament, so don't expect him to hold back over the coming weeks.
DJ Carey - SETU Carlow
The Kilkenny legend will once again take charge of SETU Carlow, as they aim to take that final step to Fitzgibbon Cup success.
After coming so close in previous finals and semi-finals, DJ Carey's side have unfortunately fallen at the final hurdle in previous years. Having won five All-Ireland titles with Kilkenny, if there is anyone who can turn a team into a title winning side, it's DJ Carey.
2 February 2022; IT Carlow manager DJ Carey before the Electric Ireland HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Round 3 match between DCU Dóchas Éireann and IT Carlow at Dublin City University Sportsground in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The impact that the former Kilkenny hurler has made on teams is seen in this Carlow side, with his mark left on the Kilkenny minor footballers.
They face a tough group that contains DCU and Mary I.
READ HERE: DJ Carey Explains Why He Retired For Six Weeks In 1998
Tom Kingston - UCC
Having brought success to the Cork college in 2020, Tom Kingston will be aiming to regain the trophy for his side.
12 February 2020; UCC manager Tom Kingston before the Fitzgibbon Cup Final match between UCC and IT Carlow at Dublin City University Sportsgrounds in Glasnevin, Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Having won the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup in 2020 with UCC, Kingston knows what it takes to win. In his side his an abundance of quality, with Shane Barrett, Jack O'Connor, Robert Downey, Cormac O'Brien, Eoin Roche and Darragh O'Brien all on the panel.
Having lost to finalists University of Galway last year in the quarter-finals, they will be confident of further progress in this year's competition. They face Maynooth University in their first game on Thursday.
Brian Ryan - University of Limerick
After guiding University of Limerick to success in 2022, Brian Ryan will be confident of defending their title this year.
Having developed much of Limerick's star players during their minor days, Ryan has huge experience in managing young players, and has got the best out of this talented University of Limerick side, who enter as reigning champions.
This year's team is no different, with Mikey Kiely, Brian O'Sullivan, Padraic Dunne, and Sean Twomey among those in the panel.
Jamie Wall - Mary Immaculate College
Jamie Wall is one of the best tactical thinkers in hurling. He will once again take charge of a Mary Immaculate side that has achieved huge success under his watch, including a trip to the Fitzgibbon Cup final in 2019.
25 February 2017; IT Carlow manager DJ Carey congratulates Mary Immaculate College Limerick manager Jamie Wall after the final whistle at the Independent.ie HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Final match between IT Carlow and Mary Immaculate College Limerick at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
They have proved they can compete with the best in the country, with back-to-back Fitzgibbon Cup titles in 2016 and 2017, and won't be short on confidence going into this year's tournament.
Podge Collins, All-Ireland winner Conor O'Brien and Mike Fitzgerald join Wall in the backroom team.
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