KGS stunned by sudden death of Michael Fitzgerald
SATURDAY night was meant to be a huge fund-raiser at Tralee for Abbeyfeale Rugby Club and, indeed, it proved to be exactly that, with a marvellous crowd in attendance, but everything was completely overshadowed by the tragic death of the track’s head barman, Michael Fitzgerald.
Michael took ill before racing began and he was transferred to hospital by ambulance. Everybody was hoping, especially the regulars who knew him so well and liked him so well, that there would be a positive outcome, but news came through towards the end of racing that he had died.
It left a huge cloud hanging over the Oakview venue and rendered everything else pretty unimportant on the night.
Michael was just 52 and he had become part of the furniture at the Oakview venue. He had a great way about him, was highly efficient at his job, and, for sure, he will be greatly missed.
The deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Kathleen, sons, Shane and Kieran, daughter, Aoife, father, Brendan, brothers, Thomas and Eamonn, and extended family.
The night’s 12-race programme did go ahead as planned, albeit with a minor delay to the starting time, and quite good times were recorded on going which was rated .10 fast for 525yds and .05 fast for 325yds.
Fastest over 525yds, marginally, was Helenas Star, which ran away with the tenth race for A3 class in 28.71. He flew to the first bend from trap 4 and dominated to the extent that he had eight lengths to spare at the line from Abbey Ranger, which was always the one chasing him.
Helenas Star completed a double for local owner, James Lynch, who won the opening race (S9/ S10 325) with Helenas Paddy in 17.87. This fellow came away best from trap 2 and he held off the challenge of a reserve, Chutehall Dauber, coming home by half a length in 17.87.
Other winners: Mc Hugh Honey, 29.51; Kielduff Ted, 18.04; Millwood Mags, 28.78; Millridge Tip, 17.82; Cork Tosso, 29.40; Rigil Kentaurus, 29.40; Knockeen Ridge, 17.85; Space Ghetto, 28.73; Jasons Fifi, 28.85; Lassa Exquisite, 28.85.
SATURDAY SIS MEETING
ON going rated .10 fast for the 525yds trip, doubles were recorded by Donal G O’Mahony, of Millstreet, with Millridge Zephyr (28.81) and Millridge Dame (29.33), and by Stevie O’Connor, of Valentia Island, with Spirit Bostoncon (29.08) and Spirit Assassin (29.43).
Donal G O’Mahony recorded a double as well the previous Tuesday night when Millridge Zephyr was also one of his winners.
Luck can run like that.
Other winners on Saturday afternoon: Lixnaw Squishy, 29.75; Tokenfire Abbie, 29.21; Mail Road Return, 29.15; Ardralla Paul, 28.77.