The Late John Fitzgerald THE sudden death occurred of Abbeyfeale native, John Fitzgerald, on Friday, October 15th, in Co. Kildare. He was 64 years of age. Mr Fitzgerald's remains were taken from Naas Hospital on Monday, October 18 to Hartnett's Funeral Home in Abbeyfeale. He was buried in the New Cemetery following 11am Requiem Mass at the Church of the Assumption. A native of Knocknasna, Abbeyfeale, Mr Fitzgerald was schooled locally and reared on the family farm, before going to England as a young man. After five years working as a labourer in Shepherd's Bush, London, he bought a farm adjacent to his family home and returned to develop it. That farm was complete by 1975, including the house, outhouses and farmyard, all built by Mr Fitzgerald himself. It was work he loved doing as he thoroughly enjoyed the pace and trials of life on the farm. Following the completion of the homestead, he married Nuala Kirby from Crecora, in 1976 and together they raised three sons: John Jr, Patrick and Conor. Aside from family and work, Mr Fitzgerald's passions were varied and many. A keen ballroom dancer he used to take part in dances two or three nights a week. Indeed he won a competition in the Railway Bar, Abbeyfeale, with sister Julia only days before he passed away. Horses were also a major love in his life and he never missed the Listowel Races. Fond of the odd flutter, Mr Fitzgerald was the proud owner of racehorse Cornerhouse which won at Clonmel some years ago. He had many dear friends within the world of racing. Football also played a part in his life and Mr Fitzgerald won a minor county medal in 1958 with Abbeyfeale. Cycling was another of his favourite pastimes. He will be sadly missed by Nuala, sons John Jr, Patrick and Conor, brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and also friends. Courtesy of the Kerryman, October, 2004 Tweet

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