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The above words were inscribed on the
floral tribute to Richard (Dick) Fitzgerald by the Dr Croke GAA
Club at his funeral on Monday 29th September
1930.
1884, the founding year of the GAA and Dick Fitzgerald was born,
two milestones in Irish history. What a wonderful time to have
lived. The Fenians, Land League, Parnell, Davitt. Gaelic League,
I.R.B., Easter Rising, Tan War, Truce, Treaty formation and the
early development of our state, were all part of 'Dickeen's'
short 46 years. Dickeen as he was affectionately known was
born in College Street, Killarney. He received National School
education in Killarney and Secondary at St. Brendan's College,
Limerick and Presentation College,
Cork.
Having played with the Dr Crokes County Championship winning
side of 1901 (age 17), he played on the Kerry teams of 1902,
1903 and 1904. (The 1903 All-Ireland final was played in 1905!).
From then until 1914 Dick played on the Kerry team as Centre
Half Forward, he captained the 1912, 1913 and 1914 teams, all
the while he was captain of Dr Crokes. In 1914 Dick published
his book " How to Play Gaelic Football" which was the
Bible of the game at that
time.
His playing days over, he turned to administration and at times
acted as referee. He was elected to Central Council in 1916.
After the 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. Home again 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.
Kerry having won the 1929 All-Ireland were again in the 1930
final. Hopes were high, but were shattered on the evening of Friday
26th September the Friday preceding the final "Dick was
Dead". Next day Dicks remains were led through Killarney.
Crowds were huge as Gaels from the four provinces came to pay
respect. Immediatly 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.
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