Pa Fitzgerald is a very remarkable Tralee man. As a brilliant Austin Stacks footballer, he was part of the Kerry team which won the 1955 All-Ireland final against Dublin and, in his professional career; he became a very famous greyhound trainer, winning a whole plethora of classic events on track and field.

Today, Fitzgerald is still at the top of the training game, which is truly remarkable all these years later, and he brought that brilliant track star, Ballymac Under (Ballymac Maeve – Ballymac Lark), to Tralee Track, (may 15th 2010), and, despite a lack of competitive action since mid-November, 2009, Ballymac Under treated a big crowd to a flawless exhibition of tracking on his way to a smashing victory over 525yds in 28.62. And Pa Fitzgerald is now in his 80th year. I was privileged to meet one of Kerrys greatest ever greyhound trainers and his story stands shoulder to shoulder with any of the other galaxy of stars included here.

His expertise continued in Ireland with six magnificent Irish Cup victories. Ballyard Yank began the run in 1980 followed by Ballyduff Bobby in 1983, Black Rock in 1986, 2005 Castle Pines, 2008 Castlemartyre and Sandy Sea brought an unbelieveable sixth victory for the Kerry trainer in 20o9. Pa Fitzgerald's list of successes as a trainer is amazing.

In his youth he was a superb footballer, winning a minor All Ireland medal with Kerry in 1950. He also played Junior with Kerry and was a member of the panel of that legendary Kerry team which shocked the so called unbeatable Dublin machine in 1955. During his time in England he lined out at full forward against Meath in the 1952 All Ireland Junior final, however defeat was their lot. Pa Fitzgerald is one of Irelands greatest trainor, his record speaks for itself.

Download and Listen to an additional tribute to Pa Fitzgerald by Patsey Lynch

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