Nick Fitzgerald collects prestigious award
Former Meath hurling manager Nick Fitzgerald was honoured at the prestigious Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2020 at Croke Park last night.
The annual awards, organised with the support of AIB and broadcast by TG4, affords Uachtarán CLG with an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding commitment and long service across the club and county network.
The 11 awards are a cross-section of people who have shared the common theme of making an inspirational impact on their code and also their club and community.
“The GAA exists because of the volunteer effort of inspirational people," commented Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Seán
Ó hOráin.
“The impact and infectious enthusiasm of these people is the beating heart of what our great Association has grown to be for
more than 130 years.
LEINSTER AWARD: NICK FITZGERALD - Kildalkey GAA, Meath
Originally from the St Molleran’s club in Waterford where he played football and hurling for club and county, Nick also spent more than a decade immersed in the GAA in London prior to returning to Ireland and settling with the Kildalkey Hurling and Camogie Club in Meath where he has made a monumental impact.
On the field he was a player and selector on their three in a row Championship winning team of 2009-2011. During the same period, he was a driving force on a club development committee which over saw new pitches and important upgrades in club facilities to capitalise on their senior success.
The current club chairperson and also a respected referee, his talents came to county recognition and in 2017 he guided Meath to an All-Ireland Minor B Hurling Championship crown – a win made sweeter by the presence of his son, Evan, in its ranks. That same year he was appointed Meath senior manager and in 2019 he assisted the Royals as they were crowned Christy Ring Cup champions – with Evan again a playing member and another son Conor, in the backroom team.
That selflessness and drive have been real hallmarks and his contribution to Meath hurling makes him a worthy recipient.