It was of great incredulity when word was filtering through that our long standing clubman Paddy Fitzgerald had passed away on Thursday afternoon last.Right up to the very end Paddy was still as active as ever in organizing club affairs and despite knowing the severity of his illness still showed the utmost determination and bravery to put on a heroic disposition and no obstacle will get in the way attitude.
Paddy was born out in Colligan where he got his first involvement in Gaelic games affairs. His favoured position was goalkeeper and he was part of the victorious Junior side of 1960.Indeed his goalkeeping exploits in the drawn final against a Cheasty led Ballyduff drew these comments in the match report, “Beyond a doubt chief honours on the Colligan side must go to goalkeeper Paddy Fitzgerald whose uncanny anticipation saved his side on numerous occasions during the game , several of his saves bordered on the miraculous and on this display must stand amongst the top flight of goalkeepers in the County.”
It was in the late 70’s that Paddy came to prominence in the club as a listed Member whilst holding a treasurers position on the Western Board. He got involved on the club committee in 1980 with Mary also been co- opted in what was to prove the start of an unbelievable period of service and dedication from the couple to the running of the club. Paddy epitomised the true ethos of the GAA which promotes its games and pastimes. These pastimes came under the watch of Scor which was another organization which would benefit from Paddy’s participation as a competitor , official, and stage manager. Elected onto divisional and county Scor Committees he also acted as Waterford delegate to Munster. Such was the esteem and respect he held he became chairman of Scór na Mumhan 1982. As well as been an excellent fear an tí Paddy was a prolific performer in the Ballad group competition . Nothing pleased him more than the promotion of local songs by local people. Indeed the Ballad groups rendition in the Munster final in Connolly hall Cork in 1990 of “The Old Dungarvan Oak” is still recalled some twenty nine years later. Such was his lifelong commitment to Scór that in 2017 he was awarded a long service award for his work on Scor from the GAA president an honour he was very proud of and richly deserved .
It was in the eighties that Paddy’s expertise and vision really came to the fore. Having been availing of local facilities at the show grounds and the CBS grounds since the clubs founding in 1885 Paddy was charged with putting together an outstanding group of individuals with the intention of raising funds to purchase grounds of our own. Showing a vision and a legacy for future generations that would make a lasting impact for the people of Dungarvan and providing something that would truely be historic Paddy led the purchase of 22.5 acres at Clogherane. It showed extraordinary and unbelievable character to pursue this project but such was the man.
By 1990 as one legendary clubman Mikey Lyons vacated the chair another legend stepped in.It was to prove a boom time within the club as a magnificent group of players were emerging to bridge a thirty six year gap to attain the Senior football Championship with further success ensuring three in a row status.If things were busy on the field they were equally busy off it. Owing a home of their own is the ambition of any club but thanks to the dedication and hard work of the people under Paddy’s stewardship this momentous occasion was celebrated at Clogherane in August 1994 when then GAA president Jack Boothman officially opened the club grounds. By 2004 Paddy vacated the chair but now was in total charge of the field and its maintenance. Ensuring the fields were were in pristine condition was inevitable and time consuming but manageable for Paddy. Recently Paddy was initiated the further enhancements of the grounds with the provision of An all weather playing pitch along with associated works. A project that is now ready to commence and will bear all of his hallmarks.
This was also a time when Paddy was involved on the Board of Management of St Mary’s Primary School and also been deeply involved with the No Name Club since it’s inception, and later over seeing the construction projects for both while still giving of his time to the Children of his beloved Dungarvan.
He will be sorely missed by all in the Club and the Dungarvan environs but most of all by Mary , John , Kieran , Gràinne his Grandchildren extended family and his wide circle of friends. A true Gael and a gentleman .An Feicimid a leithéidí arís.Is bron orm a rá nach bhfuil Guard of honour. Paddy’s popularity with the young and the old was clearly evident on both Saturday evening and Sunday morning with members from this and previous generations forming such an impressive guard of honour. Many tributes have been paid to Paddy over recent days all richly deserved with everyone having their own stories to tell. Many thanks to everyone associated with Dungarbhain for giving Paddy the send off he so richly deserved.
