It is with great sadness that our club heard of the passing of former Chairman and Club President Peter Fitzpatrick on Thursday following a long brave battle with illness. Peter, who fought his battle with courage and positivity, sadly passed away surrounded by his loving family.
Originally from Blacklion in North Cavan, Peter moved into the Ashbourne area around 1976. Although his first year or so he still travelled back to the Cavan - Fermanagh border to play with his home club, he was approached locally, and he soon joined Donaghmore GAA club and never looked back. From his initial entry into the club until his recent illness, Peter was an unbelievably hard-working club member. On the playing field he lined out at corner back for the Moors and continued to play into the 1980’s at Junior level.
At committee level, Peter was one of the original founders of the Adult Football Committee in 2004 as we sought to improve our standards both on and off the field, and to put structures in place to achieve senior status and provide football for the increasing number of players coming into adult level. He managed a number of the junior teams in the club and in 2005 he was manager of the Junior C team who captured our first championship success in 34 years. This breakthrough opened the door for numerous successes in the following years including the Intermediate win in 2007 and our return to Senior Football in Meath.
He was a key member of the group that revived the Club’s Golf Classic a number of years back and ensured that it is the annual success it is today. He has been part of the sign Committee in recent years that brings in a very valuable income into the club. Likewise, Peter has been a valuable contributor to the club’s annual draw down the years, selling tickets both locally and throughout the country.
At executive level Peter served as Club PRO for a number of years before taking up the role as Club Chairman between 2011 and 2013, and at last year’s Annual General Meeting his contribution to the club was rightly acknowledged when he was inducted as a Club President (an honour he was very proud of).
What can you say about Peter, the man. First of all, he was a true gentleman who was friendly and courteous to everyone he met. As the club increased in membership in the 90’s, Peter always made it a priority to welcome the new members in and make them feel at home. Peter never wanted to offend anyone and this was no more evident than in his team talks in the dressing room before games when he’d name the team. In his attempt not to leave anyone out (particularly the non-starting players), Peter would name the team by saying “we’re not going with the best 15 but we are going with this team we think will win the match”. This was Peter’s way of telling everyone in the dressing room they were as good as the starting 15. In his management career he always wanted to give players an opportunity to play. He also had a great vision in that he hated to see lads retire too early and would chase and encourage lads to come back out of retirement to play. This was never as evident as our breakthrough year in 2005 when he added “experience” to the team which was probably the tipping point in that year’s success.
Peter always worked hard for the club (often behind the scenes), but had a simple but great philosophy in recruiting new members to a committee or group. Peter would say “People just want to be asked”. When approached by Peter it was hard to refuse him.
He was a religious and positive man and even during his illness he always look forward with positivity.
As a club, we wish to send our support and condolences to his wife Anne, his sons Cormac and Niall, daughter-in-law Yvette, Niall’s partner Leanne, his adored grandchildren Charlotte and Harry and all his extended family and close friends at this sad time.
There is no doubt that Peter has left a great legacy in the club and a huge void in the lives of those close to him.
Reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Ashbourne (A84CX52) from 5 pm to 7 pm this Sunday evening. Funeral Mass in the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Ashbourne on Monday morning at 11am. Burial afterwards in St Declan`s Cemetery, Ashbourne. Peter’s Funeral Mass can be viewed live from the church webstream. Family flowers only please. House Private on Monday morning.
Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a-anam.
