Dick Fitzgerald
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Dick Fitzgerald (1884-1930) was a Gaelic football player who played for Kerry and Dr. Crokes club.
Dick was born in College Street,Killarney in 1884. His introduction to competitive football occurred during his studies in St. Brendan’s College Killarney, where his wonderful football technique and ability became apparent. He later became a household name for his screw-kicking and ball control as well as the utmost respect from his fellow players through his captaincy.[citation needed]
[edit] Playing career
However it was not until 1903 that ‘Dickeen’, as he was familiarly called, came before the public eye, when Kerry played Kildare in the All-Ireland final. These games became part of sporting history when Kerry wrested the All-Ireland championship from the “ All Whites” after three encounters.
In 1906, at the invitation of the Kerrymen of New York, he visited the USA and played for Kerry in the New York Championship, which they won. He also took part in the Croke Memorial, which pitted Kerry against Louth. This game went to a replay with Kerry winning it at Jones Road. It was the first time a four-figure sum was received for a match and with this money the G.A.A purchased Croke Park.
Fitzgerald captained the two winning teams of 1913 and 1914 against Wexford but retired from the game he loved so much after their defeat in 1915 against the same opposition. This did not stop Fitzgerald’s fascination with the beautiful game.
After the 1916 Easter Rising he was held in detention in South Wales. Here he organized with other Gaelic prisoners an All-Ireland Competition himself leading Kerry to a one point victory in the final over Louth. Overall he won 5 All-Ireland medals with Kerry and 10 Munster Championship medals as well as winning the first two Railway shields with Munster beating Leinster.
[edit] Later life
He later proceeded to write a book on Gaelic football entitled “How to play Gaelic football” which was the first of its kind in the organisation.
After hanging up his boots he continued in the administrative side of the organisation. He became representative to the Central Council 1917, Kerry Selector 1918, Delegate to Congress 1919. He served on the Munster Council from 1920 until his death. He was the first chairman of the East Kerry Board and also Chairman of Dr Crokes. In 1929 he was appointed a special vice-chairman of the Kerry Selection Committee without a vote, in appreciation of his service to the county. Dick was also a member of Killarney UDC from 1917 until his death.
Immediately after his death the Dr Croke Club began a campaign to develop a field in his honor. In 1936 Fitzgerald's Stadium opened and stands today as one of Irelands finest sporting arena's.[citation needed]
