Fitzgerald, John
February 12, 2011The Star Rovers and Saint Mary's clubs in particular and sport generally in Limerick will certainly be all the poorer with the passing away of John Fitzgerald on Tuesday, January 25.
His demise has certainly shocked and saddened all those who had the privilege of knowing him and has cast a shadow of gloom in his native St Mary's Parish where he had been deeply involved in most level of sporting activity since his childhood. In his late thirties, he was always full of the joys despite a debilitating illness, which he faced with rare courage and fortitude. His constant and infectious good humour often belied his personal discomfort, especially for one who had previously pursued such an active outdoor existence. His attendance at all venues in support of both clubs was itself a true indication of his commitment to the clubs and the friendship he enjoyed among its ranks.
He was without a doubt one of those people who could turn his hand to any branch of sporting activity - a high degree of proficiency at Hurling and Gaelic football during his school days, soccer with Star and rugby with the Saints came easily to him. Following in is father and brother's footsteps soccer was undoubtedly his number one choice of sport, whether playing or spectating, although he also was a dab hand a fishing. John was a member of the Saints U18 title winning team and recently a member of Star Rovers B team who had many good seasons winning many trophies. John loved playing centre forward. He was a was a whole-hearted performer and could always be heard urging his team mates to renewed effort when the occasion warranted.
The large attendance that attended both the removal and the remains of the funeral, and the many accolades paid to John by former team mates and friends bore testimony to the popularity of the deceased and the respect and regard with he and his family were held in sporting circles.
Michael McNamara said it perfectly: "when you were a friend of John's, you were a friend for life."
On Thursday, January 27, escorted by guard of honour from Star Rovers and Saint Mary's, his coffin draped in the blue and white of Saint Marys and black and white of Star made its journey from Cross funeral home to Saint Marys Church.
After the requiem mass on Friday, January 28, the funeral cortege of huge proportion made the final journey to Castlemungret cemetery where John was laid to rest. Deepest sympathy is extended to his sorrowing parents John and Marie and to other members of the Fitzgerald family. May the good Lord comfort and console them in their time of sadness.
Denis Ryan
Chairperson of Star Rovers
Courtesy of the Limerick Leader
12th February 2011 Tweet
