Former Antrim Manager Darren Gleeson Announces Cancer Diagnosis

Davy Fitzgerald, the current Antrim hurling manager, described Darren Gleeson as a “fighter” following Gleeson’s announcement of a cancer diagnosis. Gleeson had been appointed Laois manager in August, after serving five years with Antrim. On Saturday, Gleeson disclosed his decision to resign as Laois manager to “undergo treatment for cancer.” The 43-year-old had departed his position as Antrim manager in July after a five-year tenure, with his ratification as Laois boss occurring the subsequent month. His successor at Antrim, Fitzgerald, stated, “I know Darren pretty well. He has an illness, but he’s a fighter.” Fitzgerald further commented, “I absolutely know that Darren will buckle down and do whatever he needs to do.” He added, “Darren will fight like anything, and I’m sure we’ll see Darren back on the sideline in the future because that’s the type of guy that he is.” As a player, Gleeson is a former Tipperary goalkeeper who secured two All-Ireland titles and six Munster Championships. Gleeson indicated that the cancer diagnosis followed “a recent accident in which my upper arm was broken unexpectedly.” He further stated, “It is essential, based on the medical advice I have received, that I fully focus in the months ahead on my treatment and recovery.” “Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to continue the busy and responsible role of being an inter-county manager,” he concluded. Neil McManus, who served as captain for the Saffrons during Gleeson’s management, conveyed that “everyone in Antrim wishes Darren the absolute best.” Gleeson led the Ulster county to victory in the Joe McDonagh Cup in both 2020 and 2022. He also facilitated the Saffrons’ promotion to hurling’s top tier by winning Division Two in 2020. McManus added, “It is a horrific time for him and his family, and I just wish him a speedy recovery. What he gave to Antrim GAA was massive, it really was. Probably only the people who were inside his dressing room will understand that fully.” He concluded, “My heart goes out to Darren and his family, and we wish him a very speedy recovery.”