The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Maurice Fitz dons Glin jersey in tribute to longtime supporter
KERRY football great Maurice Fitzgerald togged out in the unfamiliar colours of Glin GAA on Saturday to play a match in memory of a longtime fan and stalwart member of Glin GAA Club Billy Martin, who sadly passed away last year. LAST Saturday, October 1, our own Glin GAA club in west Limerick hosted a game against a North Kerry selection, in memory of a great club stalwart: Billy Martin.
Billy passed away last year in Killarney as he was leaving the county final and, in his honour, Glin GAA hosted Saturday’s game against a north Kerry selection. Although he has now retired from the game Maurice Fitzgerald returned to the field of play to pay tribute to the man who had followed his career as an ardent fan. The gesture was greatly appreciated by Billy’s club and family.
Billy’s mother, Madge Roche, hailed from Killorglin, and her nephews, the Luceys, were the inspiration of Billy’s youth as they played in the Kerry jersey.
Billy’s own playing career was extensive in the ’60s and ’70s, taking him all over north Kerry to the hugely popular tournaments of that time; the battles in Finuge, Moyvane, Tarbert and Listowel are still talked about.
It was fitting then that north Kerry footballers from Asdee, Ballylongford, Tarbert and Moyvane came to Glin on Saturday to honour a great Gael.
Billy and family travelled Kerry for many years to watch great players and great games, but the player who stood out to him was Maurice Fitzgerald; wherever Maurice featured, Billy went.
After Maurice retired, if there was a rumour of a Fitzgerald cameo, Billy would head off to get one last look. With this in mind, and a plaque to unveil, Glin GAA Club sought out Maurice to do the honours.
The All-Ireland final replay clashed with the club’s events, and Maurice’s own South Kerry were in action – but he assured the club he’d be there. Glin GAA kept this a secret to surprise his family on the day.
At 2.15pm on Saturday, both teams were on the field, supporters lined up in the lovely autumn sunshine – and then the messiah arrived.
He quickly enquired where the dressing rooms were, and soon appeared on the sideline in Glin’s black and white jersey, ready for action.
Players, officials and supporters were in awe, and a spontaneous round of applause ensued. Maurice watched as the game got underway and enjoyed a very entertaining first half, before entering for the second half to play alongside Billy’s sons and grandsons.
We didn’t have to wait long for the genius to make his mark.
Receiving the ball 40 yards out, jinking from right to left, he split the posts – what a score, what a man!
Two more points followed, and he finished the game as fresh as when he started. Class is permanent.
After the game, Maurice patiently waited for the many photos before he made his way to the clubhouse where he unveiled the plaque and gave a great speech, reflecting on the enormous work people like Billy give to their communities. He also encouraged Glin’s youth to stay in sport to help their own development.