SECRETARY of Clare GAA Pat Fitzgerald has announced his intention to step down from the role next month.

Mr Fitzgerald will resign on July 18, the day after the All-Ireland hurling final, after 32 years in the position.

In a statement he said it had been a busy and demanding role and he had enjoyed it immensely.

“I wish the county and all our teams 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.”

He had 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 full time on a salary at the time of €55,000 – €25,000 of which was supplied by Clare county board.