Former CEO Fitzgerald leaves a lasting legacy in Munster
MUNSTER RUGBY prided themselves on being more than another professional sporting team.
Their success in becoming that, in stirring a local passion in a multi-million-euro industry, was largely down to Garrett Fitzgerald, the man who headed the operation for over two decades.
His passing was announced late on Friday night, at the age of 65.
Garrett Fitzgerald was the chief executive of Munster rugby for 20 years, but he also played for and coached the province at all levels. It was his time as CEO that propelled him to prominence, though, for he was the chief during the province’s glory days.
Through it all – from the amateur era, on to the glorious days of European Cup triumph in 2006 and
2008, and through the decline, all the way to his retirement from the role last year – he remained a gentleman.
No matter what the circumstances, he stayed level, retaining the ability to make a broad assessment of circumstances where others rushed into judgment.
He gave a newspaper interview just over four years ago in which the topic of Munster’s decline dominated.
‘We’re in a professional business,’ he reasoned. ‘We’re selling a product. People like it to be perfect all the time.
‘Every weekend you go out the most teams that can win are 50 per cent in all the competitions. Over a long number of years we’ve been fortunate to win a lot more than we’ve lost.’
He had a major role in making that happen, helping to create the environment that allowed Munster, at their best, to potently fuse tradition and best modern practice.
‘With a hands-on approach, Garrett was the driving force behind Munster Rugby’s successful transition into the professional era, transforming the province into a club that is held in such high regard across the rugby landscape,’ said the chair of the Munster Rugby Board, Gerry O’Shea.
‘Showing great humility, Garrett always ensured it was never about him, and it was always about the people of Munster rugby.
‘Playing a leading role in shaping the province’s story through his hard work and committed service over the past 20 years, he leaves a lasting legacy that we will forever be grateful for.’
Garrett Fitzgerald is survived by his wife Áine, and his children Megan, Jamie and Michael.