Long-serving Clare GAA secretary Pat Fitzgerald will step down from the role next month.
After 32 years in the role, Fitzgerald wrote to clubs on Wednesday to tell them he was leaving the position on July 18 - the day after the All-Ireland hurling final.
The decision is somewhat of a surprise as there was still another year on Fitzgerald's contract.
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He wrote to clubs: “I am writing to inform you that after 32 years of service, it is my intention to step down from my role as Clare County Secretary on 18th July this year.
“It has been a busy and demanding role and one I have enjoyed immensely. I wish the county and all our teams only the very best with all future endeavours and plans, both on and off the field of play.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved together over many long years, and I wish you every success into the future.
“I look forward to supporting our county as a fan and assisting in any way I can in the years to come."
Pat, the father of former Clare player and manager Davy Fitzgerald, served in the role in a voluntary capacity for 17 years until 2007 when he was successful in an interview process among a number of candidates to take the job on a full time basis.
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