The news of Frank Fitzgerald’s death was received by his wide circle of friends and neighbours in Monkstown and further afield with much regret and sadness.
This decent and much respected person was revered in his community who were in turn enriched by his affable manner and noble spirit.
As a young man he was an athletic sportsman and possessed fine skills in hurling and football.
His enthusiasm and commitment made him a very popular member of the Emmets Football Club and the Shamrock Hurling Club. In his playing days he was popularly known as ‘Frankie Dooley’. He won South East Cork Championship and league Medals in the Emmets colours. He hurled with Shamrocks and played in several South East Finals. The 1955 final was one of the finest in that decade with old rivals Ballinhassig edging out Shamrocks 6-9 to 5-6. His commitment and popularity has his name forever etched in the annals of the Clubs. His coffin was draped in the Club colours and he was laid to rest in Barnahaley, a location where he played many hurling games.
His old friends, neighbours and team mates came out in large numbers both for his removal and funeral Mass held in Monkstown’s Sacred Heart Church. Parish Priest Rev. Sean O’Sullivan delivered a very fitting homily and acknowledged Franks great service to the parish Church. Frank was a choir member for many years and his special each year was ‘O Holy Night’ at Christmas He was also a Church Collector for many years and when an extra pair of hands were ever needed Frank would not be found wanting.
Members of Monkstown Golf Club have very happy memories of Frank too, where he spent many happy days.
Among his fellow players with Emmets and Shamrocks, some of whom have been called to their reward, were Ted Johnson, Billy O’Reilly, Bartie Bray, Jerh. Coveney, Neally O’Mahony, Billy and Ray Sisk, Batt Cooney, Donal McDonnell, Finian Hourihane, Rob Andrews, Joe Hickey and Donal O’Connor N.T to name but a few.
Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam dilis.
