News

Tributes Pour In From Around The World For Garrett Fitzgerald

18th February 2020
Countless tributes have poured in from across the world for Munster man Garrett Fitzgerald after he passed away on Friday evening at Marymount Hospice. An incredibly popular character, Garrett was the driving force behind Munster Rugby for his 20 years as CEO from 1999 to 2019 having previously enjoyed great success as a player and coach. Huge crowds paid their respects at the funeral arrangements as his wife Áine O'Donnell and Munster Rugby Team Manager Niall O'Donovan delivered touching eulogies. In a great testament to Garrett's personable nature, there have been countless tributes paid over the weekend with a small selection below. Read our tribute to Garrett here. Writing in the Irish Examiner, Munster Rugby Head of Finance and Operations Philip Quinn said: "Garrett Fitzgerald was an exceptional man and somebody that we all looked up to in Munster Rugby. "He was a man of honesty and integrity with a huge passion for the game. He embodied everything that is good in Munster Rugby, and for us, he was Mr Munster Rugby."     Peter Stringer said: "Incredibly sad news to hear of the passing of Garrett Fitzgerald. A man central to what Munster Rugby has become. CEO, colleague, visionary and above all, a friend. Thoughts and prayers with his family. RIP" Denis Hurley said: "You will be sorely missed and my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Áine and your family. Rest well, you’ve given more than enough to us all #thankyou #MunsterFamily" Former Munster Forwards Coach Laurie Fisher said: "Devastated to hear of the passing of long time Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald. A defining figure in their great history. Treated my family as his own during our time in Cork. Truly wonderful man. Much love to his family he leaves behind. The world poorer for his passing." BJ Botha said: "A man that epitomised what Munster Rugby stood for, thanks for all the great chats Garrett, you left your mark on all of us, RIP." Tipperary senior hurling manager Liam Sheedy said: "What an absolute gent my thoughts and prayers are with Aine and all of his family and friends. He achieved so much in life and what a legacy he leaves behind from his time in Munster Rugby. Rest In Peace Garrett." Former Ireland Women's Head Coach Philip Doyle said: "A huge loss for Irish and Munster rugby always so helpful to the womens team during my time RIP Garrett Fitzgerald"     Guinness PRO14 CEO Martin Anayi said: "From myself and @PRO14Official we share a great sadness with our friends in @Munsterrugby over Garrett Fitzgerald’s passing. He was an incredibly popular man and his contribution to the game will leave an enduring legacy. Our deepest sympathies to Garrett’s family and friends." Clonmel RFC posted: "Very sad to see the death announced of former Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald. Garrett was held in high esteem by all in Clonmel RFC and we extend our condolences to his family and to the whole team in Munster Rugby. May he Rest In Peace." Nenagh Ormond RFC posted: "RIP Garrett Fitzgerald. A great Munster man. Sincere condolences to his wife and family on his passing." Former GAA President Seán Kelly said: "Was so sad to hear of the death of #GarrettFitzgerald. In my @officialgaa capacity I had many dealings with him. An absolute gentleman & administrator par excellence. A true leader who never looked for acclaim or publicity & didn’t engage in ‘me’. Sympathy to Aine & family"