'He's a fighter' - Former Antrim boss Gleeson diagnosed with cancer
Antrim hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald says Darren Gleeson is a "fighter" after the former Saffrons boss announced his cancer diagnosis.
Gleeson announced on Saturday that he had to step down as Laois manager to "undergo treatment for cancer.
The 43-year-old left his role as Antrim manager in July after five years in charge and was ratified as Laois boss the following month.
"I know Darren pretty well. He has an illness, but he's a fighter," said his Antrim successor Fitzgerald.
"I absolutely know that Darren will buckle down and do whatever he needs to do.
"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."
'My heart goes out to him'
Gleeson is a former Tipperary goalkeeper and won two All-Ireland titles and six Munster Championships as a player.
He said the cancer was diagnosed following "a recent accident in which my upper arm was broken unexpectedly".
"It is essential, based on the medical advice I have received, that I fully focus in the months ahead on my treatment and recovery," he added.
"Unfortunately, it is therefore not possible to continue the busy and responsible role of being an inter-county manager."
Neil McManus, who captained the Saffrons under Gleeson , said "everyone in Antrim wishes Darren the absolute best".
Gleeson guided the Ulster county to the Joe McDonagh Cup in 2020 and 2022 and also helped the Saffrons to promotion to the top tier of hurling by winning Division Two in 2020.
"It is a horrific time for him and his family, and I just wish him a speedy recovery", McManus added.
"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.
"My heart goes out to Darren and his family, and we wish him a very speedy recovery."
